Sample course syllabus MCM 3321 Media Presentation

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Winston-Salem State University
Department of Mass Communications

Fall 2009

Course Syllabus: MCM 3321 – Media Presentation 3 Semester Credit Hours

Instructor: Dr. Brian Blount

Office: Hall-Patterson Room 114

Office Hours: M 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
W 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
F 10:00 AM - 1:15 PM

Office Telephone: 336-750-3343

Email: blountb@wssu.edu

Required Textbook

Television and Radio Announcing, 11th Edition; Hyde, Stuart W.; Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2009.

Technology Resources

1) Inexpensive headset with microphone. 2) Two to three CD-R /RW audio diskettes or a USB
storage device (2G or more portable disk drive). 3) One notepad of any size to log and document
all critiques from the coaching sessions.

Course Description

This course will cover the major aspects of radio, television, and new media delivery processes
through the effective use of relevant media and technology. Course highlights include usage of
broadcast terminology, writing for radio and television, and broadcast delivery through voicing
and announcing. A final production project will be assigned after the midterm period of the
course. Please refer to the course schedule for specific assignment dates and logistics. The
project will involve student teams which will produce audio and video public service products for
radio and new media. The Prerequisites are: MCM 2325. MCM 3315, and MCM 3365.

Rationale

Consolidation among broadcasting companies may lead to an increased use of syndicated
programming and programs originating outside a station's viewing or listening area. Digital
technology will increase the productivity of announcers, reducing the time spent on off-air
technical and production work.

Course Objectives

The course is intended to improve the students’ knowledge and skills in order to gain and
demonstrate proficiency in the area of announcing for the media. Only an earnest effort and
hours of practice outside of the classroom can bring about a significant improvement. After
completing the course successfully, the students should be able to:

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Course Objectives (Cont.d)

1. Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology and techniques
used by radio and television broadcasters to develop and deliver stories.
2. Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more comfortable in delivering
reports in front of a traditional and/or new media audience.
3. Use technology to improve performance in announcing radio, television, and new media
programs.
4. Produce relevant and meaningful media programs and become more effective
communicators.

Materials and Equipment

Each student must have a computer (Windows based recommended) running
Windows2000/XP,Vista; Microsoft Office Word, and a Web browser such as Internet Explorer
(version 6.xx) or Netscape 7.xx.

In order to access some of the materials and software required for the course, the student must
have a valid WSSU network access account. You will also use the account to log onto computers
in the labs. Also, the student must have access to one working email address.

Each student will also need 2 to 3 CD-R /RW audio diskettes or a USB storage device with at
least 2G or more memory. You will also need an inexpensive headset with microphone. Please
note that storage devices are not 100% reliable and they fail many times. Therefore, it is strongly
suggested that you make multiple backups of your recordings.

Finally, students are required to obtain one notepad to log all critiques and comments from the
coaching sessions. The notepad will allow the students to record and maintain a list of their
deficiencies in an effort to improve on them. Each student will be requested to submit a copy
of his or her Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor after each coaching session.

Course Participation Policy

Consistent participation will play an important part in determining your final grade in this course.
Also, timely submission of projects and audio - video productions is very important.
Student Requirements

Students will be required to be active learners in classroom and participate in all assigned
exercises. To accomplish this objective, students must complete all assignments by their
deadlines and attend all class meetings. In the event a student is absence from class, it is the
student’s responsibility to find out about the required assignment for the purpose of submitting it
on its due date or at the time the instructor approves. Only excused absences will be given
consideration for extending the due date of the assignment. All students are required to check
his or her email prior to the beginning of the each class.

Several assignments require much thought and preparation. As a result, plan far ahead for these
projects. The instructions for most performance assignments are specific and are intended to
help you succeed in this course. Failure to consult the syllabus on a weekly basis is certain to
lead to problems. Success in this class requires regular preparation.

Code of Ethics

Media practitioners must be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, producing, reporting and
interpreting information. Never plagiarize. Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion,
ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.

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Disability Statement

Students with a documented disability must register with the WSSU Disability Services Office
each semester to receive consideration for any accommodations in this course. Accommodations
are not retroactive. You may reach the Disability Services Office by emailing
waddellm@wssu.edu.

Diversity Statement

The department seeks (1) to have a diverse student population where all students feel welcome
while obtaining a quality educational experience; (2) to maintain a level of faculty and staff
diversity that matches the student body; and (3) to create and maintain an environment where all
ethnicities and genders feel empowered and one that encourages their participation that is free of
discrimination.

Cell Phones, Text Messaging, and Excessive Talking

All cell phones must be turned off during the class time. The 2nd warning will result in the
confiscation of the electronic device for the class period. Throughout the remaining semester, on
the 3rd time the electronic device is confiscated, the student will be given an additional grade of
zero (0) for that class period assignment(s).

Also, on the 3rd issued request to the student to stop excessive talking during the class period,
the student will be requested to leave the classroom and he or she will be given an additional
grade of zero (0) for that class period assignment(s).

Course Assignments

Classwork involves a few lecture discussion sessions. Our chief activity is to record, play back,
and evaluate the student performances. The required readings will be discussed prior to the
requested performance activity or at the times designated by the Instructor. If you have questions
about anything you read in the text, please feel free to raise them at any appropriate time. It is
important to consult the Essential Resources (located at the end of this syllabus) to assist
with preparing any listed corresponding assignment.

All assignments must be completed on time and according to the guidelines provided for each
assignment. Late assignments will only be accepted in the case of excused emergencies. Each
student is expected to complete and submit the following requirements:

1. Recording Skills Pre-assessment. Students recording skills will be pre-assessed by
recording “William and His Friends” (page 55) and “The Diagnostic Center” (page 93).
Each audio assignment should be no longer than 2 minutes in length and should be
emailed to the Instructor prior to the selected class meeting as indicated by the
corresponding Technology Requirement chart. "William and His Friends" was chosen
because it includes a medial “l” sound, one of the most common sources of trouble for
many American speakers. This story is a "speed trap." Students who tend to speak too
rapidly, or who slur their words, will really have a challenge with this exercise. “The
Diagnostic Center” is also chosen because it will enable students to work on poor
articulation areas which may include mumbling or omitting syllables and certain words.
Students should make a conscious effort to form every syllable of every sentence with
this exercise.

2. Articulation Exercise. Students will record a series of 3 out-of-class assignments that
demonstrate their articulation skill levels. The audio recording should be emailed to the
Instructor before the selected class meetings as indicated by the

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corresponding Technology Requirement chart. The nine speech sounds usually cause
slurred, unpleasant, or unclear speech and should be corrected by anyone who intends
to become a professional announcer or public speaker in any field of study. Nine of the
twenty-five consonant sounds in the English language that cause the most problems will
be focused on in order to assist the students to overcome any difficulties they may
possess. These nine consonants are “T”, “Th”, “S”, “Sh”, “N”, “Ng”, “L”, “Hw”, and “R”
(pages 94 – 99). Examples are: “T” – metal, “Th” – think, “S” – asserted, “Sh” – shortly,
“N” – now, “Ng” – sing, “L” – willing, “Hw” – where, and “R” – runner.

3. Marking Copy Exercise. Students will write two 30 seconds radio spots of any type using
the seven copy marks and record them in Voice Board via Black Board. The total time
for both productions should be 1 minute in length. The audio recording should be
emailed to the Instructor before the selected class meetings as indicated by the
corresponding Technology Requirement chart. Punctuation is useful to announcers
because it shows the writer’s intentions regarding mood and meaning of the script. On
page 36, there are seven marking copy symbols that are used in announcing scripts.
The seven marking copy symbols are: Slant lines, Two virgules, Underline, Question and
exclamation marks, Upside-down exclamation point, and Crescendo.

4. Four Aspects of Speech Exercise. Students will record the two “Celebration”
commercials (page 358) and utilize the four major aspects of speech such as: Pitch and
Inflection, Volume, Tempo, and Vitality and Energy. The audio assignment should be
recorded by the students as a 4 part series that builds on each individual aspect until all
four aspects are used in the recording. In other words, each series introduces and
stresses a new aspect in the 60 seconds commercial. The assignment should be emailed
to the Instructor prior to the selected class meeting as indicated by the corresponding
Technology Requirement chart. The exercise is designed to vitalize the students
announcing skills, as well as to assist them to deliver the intended interpretations of the
messages.

5. Interviewing Skills Pre-assessment. Students will interview their classmates about their
backgrounds, professional and personal interests, professional objectives, achievements,
and any other noteworthy information. The purpose of this exercise is to pre-assess the
abilities of the students to interview, write and record interview scripts. The recorded
audio presentation should be 3 minutes in length and should be emailed to the Instructor
prior to the selected class meeting as indicated by the corresponding Technology
Requirement chart.

6. Interviewing Professionals Exercise. Students will record one professional of any
interesting discipline. The exercise will illustrate the techniques and skills learned from
the pre-assessment interview. The audio recording should be should be emailed to the
Instructor before the selected class meetings as indicated by the corresponding
Technology Requirement chart. Chapter 9 on pages 170 – 199 is devoted to practices
and techniques appropriate to in-studio television show and radio call-in shows that may
not include studio guests, as well as to gather and edit interviews for inserting them into
radio, television, and new media documentaries.

7. Public Service Announcements (PSAs) Project. Students will record three 30 seconds
PSAs via audio podcast as the final project for the semester. The final project should be
emailed to the Instructor prior to a selected class meeting as indicated by the
corresponding Technology Requirement chart. Also, the students will be required to
attend a class meeting where evaluations and feedback will be provided by the Instructor.
The project should address three significant local public service issues that present a
challenge or obstacle for the students on a regular basis. The Federal Communications
Act of 1934 established the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) and defined its

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areas of responsibility. One requirement was that station licensees broadcast “in the
public interest, convenience, or necessity.” One of the most convenient and inexpensive
ways of showing community service was by broadcasting, free of charge, brief messages
promoting worthwhile nonprofit enterprises via PSAs.

Interviewing Expectations: Classmates Interview. The interview should focus on an unfamiliar
person. Spend a few minutes at the end of today’s class talking with the person to be
interviewed, exploring possible topics to be brought out in the interview. Make notes. Do not try
to cover a person’s entire life. Focus on one or two items of interest. Reverse the roles in an
effort to understand some nuances of each. Do not fully write-out any of the questions. Do not
pretend to interview a celebrity or a fictitious person.

The success of the students’ interviews will be determined by how well the interesting facts and
opinions of the guests are brought out by the interviewers. Interviews will be 4 minutes in length.
Work for an appropriate beginning and ending. The audio recording should be emailed to the
Instructor before the selected class meetings as indicated by the corresponding Technology
Requirement chart. Record the interviews on recordable CDs or USB storage devices as backup
copies.

Interviewing Expectations: Professional Interview. The interview should focus on a
newsworthy individual. Explore possible topics to be brought out in the interview. Make notes.
Do not try to cover a person’s entire life. Focus on one or two items of interest. Reverse. The
success of interview will be determined by how well the interesting facts and opinions of the guest
are brought out by the interviewer.

For the purpose of obtaining additional techniques and facts about the interview process,
research the topic by using Google Search. Do not use any Wikipedia sources. Submit a
copy of all sources located to the Instructor for approval before they are used. Once you
have gathered the appropriate websites, compile it through the use of RSS Feeds. The
interview will be 4 minutes in length. The audio recording should be emailed to the Instructor
before the selected class meetings as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement
chart. Record the interview on podcast and recordable CDs or USB storage devices as backup
copy.

Technology Requirements for Course Assignments

Date Topic Out-of-Class Technology Assignment Due
Experiences Resources Date
(Homework) (Needed by
Students)
August 24th Pre-Assessment of Record “William and Voice Board in August 27th
Announcing Skills His Friends, and Black Board (BB);
“The Diagnostic 2G Portable Disk Email via BB to
Center”. Drive. Instructor at least 5
hours before the
Dub (copy) to 2G class meeting.
Portable Disk Drive
as backup).
September 15th Articulation Exercise Record a series of 3 Voice Board in September 27th -
out-of-class Black Board (BB); (Part 1)
Consonant 2G Portable Disk September 22nd -
assignments that Drive. (Part 2)
demonstrate the September 24th -
students’ articulation Dub (copy) to 2G (Part 3)

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skill levels. Portable Disk Drive
as backup. All of the above parts
should be emailed
via BB to Instructor at
least 5 hours before
the class meeting.
September 24th Marking Copy Write and record Voice Board in September 29th
Exercise two 30 seconds Black Board (BB);
radio script using 2G Portable Disk Email via BB to
the seven copy Drive. Instructor at least 5
marks. hours before the
Portable Disk Drive
as backup.
October 22nd Interviewing Skills Interview Voice Board in October 27th
Pre-assessment classmates about Black Board (BB);
their backgrounds, 2G Portable Disk Email via BB to
professional and Drive. Instructor at least 5
personal interests, hours before the
professional Dub (copy) to 2G class meeting.
objectives, Portable Disk Drive
achievements, and as backup.
any other
noteworthy
information.
September 29th Four Aspects of Record the Voice Board in October 1st -
Speech “Celebration” Black Board (BB); (Part 1)
Effectiveness commercial (page 2G Portable Disk October 6th -
Exercise 358) and utilize the Drive. (Part 2)
four major aspects October 8th -
of speech Dub (copy) to 2G (Part 3)
effectiveness. The Portable Disk Drive October 20th -
audio assignment as backup. (Part 4)
should be recorded
by the students as a Email via BB to
4 part series. Instructor at least 5
hours before the
class meeting.
October 29th Interviewing Write a brief 30 Black Board; November 3rd
Professionals seconds radio script Google Search;
Exercise using the seven RSS Feed; Email via BB to
copy marks and Podcast. Instructor at least 5
record it as a 1 hours before the
minute podcast. Dub (copy) to 2G class meeting.
Portable Disk Drive
as backup.
November 10th Public Service Record three 30 Black Board; November 24th -
Announcements seconds PSAs via Google Search; (1st Draft)
(PSAs) Project audio podcast as RSS Feed; December 3rd -
the final project for Podcast. (Final Submission)
the semester.
Dub (copy) to 2G Email via BB to
Portable Disk Drive Instructor at least 5
as backup. hours before the
class meeting.
November 12th Post-Assessment of Re-record “William Voice Board in November 17th

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Announcing Skills and His Friends, Black Board (BB);
and “The Diagnostic 2G Portable Disk Email via BB to
Center”. Drive. Instructor at least 5
hours before the
Portable Disk Drive
as backup.

Schedule of Class Lessons

Week 1: Tuesday, August 24th

Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology
and techniques used by radio and television broadcasters to develop and
deliver stories

Use technology to improve performance in announcing radio, television,
and new media programs.

In-Class Experience: Introductions. Review of syllabus. Students will write one page about
themselves and their expectations from the course. Included in the
students’ information should be their classification, major, media
experience, and professional objectives, etc.

Home Assignment: 1) Bring to the next class meeting a new recordable CD or 2G or more
USB storage device. 2) As a pre-assessment of the student’s skill level,
practice and record “William and His Friends,” page 55 in the text, and
“The Diagnostic Center,” on page 93. Practice each exercise for a
minimal of 20 minutes before recording them. See the corresponding
Technology Requirements chart for additional details.

Assignment Due: Thursday, August 27th

Week 1: Thursday, August 27th

deliver stories

In-Class Experience: Playback and coaching session by the Instructor on "William and His
Friends" and “The Diagnostic Center” will occur in the class meeting.
During all coaching sessions, the strengths and weaknesses of each
student will be provided by the Instructor and classmates (peer
evaluation). Please note: A coaching session will be provided by the
Instructor during every appropriate class meeting throughout the
semester.

Home Assignment: Read about the concept of the needed skills for announcing in
“Announcing for the Electronic Media” (Chapter 1). The specialization of
announcing will be analyzed. Be prepared for a quiz on the chapter at
the next meeting. Key Terms (Chapter 1): announcer, news anchors, ASNE,
corporate media, defamation, drugola, EAS, indecency, industrial media, NAB, obscenity,
payola, plugola, RTNDA, status-conferral function of the media.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, September 1st

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Week 2: Tuesday, September 1st

deliver stories.


In-Class Experience: Quiz on “Announcing for the Electronic Media” (Chapter 1). Continue
playbacks and coaching session of "William and His Friends" and “The
Diagnostic Center”. Immediately or on a continuous basis throughout the
course the Instructor will assign additional exercises as needed to
improve the performance of the students. Some examples of the
additional exercises could be assigned are the Twelve Vowel Sounds
(page 83), Voice Quality (page 65), and Breathing and Breathing
Exercises (page 67).

Home Assignment: Read about the concept of how announcers are viewed in the industry in
“The Announcer as Communicator”, Chapter 2. Place special emphasis
on Interpreting Copy and Ad-Lib Announcing. Duplicate and learn the
Checklist (Analyzing Broadcast Copy) on page 26 and submit a copy to
the Instructor via Black Board prior to the next class meeting. Be
prepared for a chapter quiz. Key Terms (Chapter 2): allusion, cold copy,
communication, crescendo, decrescendo, diacritical marks, ellipses, mood, reading ahead,
structure, virgule.

Assignment Due: Thursday, September 3rd

Week 2: Thursday, September 3rd

deliver stories.


In-Class Experience: Quiz on “The Announcer as Communicator” (Chapter 2). Discuss the
Checklist (Analyzing Broadcast Copy). During the remainder of the
class, a powerpoint presentation on the “Capabilities and Skills Needed”
as an announcer will be shown. This information is necessary in order
for the student to appreciate the importance of developing confidence
which is necessary to become effective communicators.

Home Assignment: Study the notes of the powerpoint and be prepared for a quiz on it at the
next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, September 8th

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Week 3: Tuesday, September 8th

deliver stories


In-Class Experience: Quiz on the “Capabilities and Skills Needed” powerpoint presentation.
During the remainder of the class session a powerpoint presentation on
the “Roles of TV & Radio Announcers” will be shown. The information
describes the opportunities that are available for an announcer. As a
result, the student is able to think about his or her possibilities and take
advantage of the course offerings as preparation for his or her relevant
choices.

Home Assignment: Study the powerpoint notes on the “Roles of TV & Radio Announcers”
and be prepared for a quiz on it at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, September 10th

Week 3: Thursday, September 10th

deliver stories


In-Class Experience: Quiz on the “Roles of TV & Radio Announcers” powerpoint presentation.
During the remainder of the class meeting, a powerpoint presentation will
be shown about Voice Quality. The chief resonators of speech sounds
are bones of the chest and face the windpipe (trachea), larynx, pharynx,
mouth, nose, cheekbones, and sinuses. These items will be discussed in
the powerpoint.

Home Assignment: Read about the concept of “Voice Analysis and Improvement” (Chapter
3). Provide special attention to the above corresponding information
about how the quality of the voice can be improved on pages 65 – 71.
Be prepared for a chapter quiz at next class meeting. Key Terms
(Chapter 3): ambient noise, articulation, articulators, aspirate, back vowels, consonants,
diaphragm, inflection, monotone, lavaliere mic, nasals, optimum pitch, nasality and
denasality, pitch and inflection, plosive, popping, pronounciation, sibilance, speech
personality, tempo, vitality, vocal folds, voice quality, volume.


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deliver stories.

Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more
comfortable in delivering reports in front of a traditional and/or new media
audience.


In-Class Experience: Quiz on “Voice Analysis and Improvement” (Chapter 3).

Home Assignment: Record the first 3 part-series out-of-class exercise that demonstrates the
students’ articulation skill levels. Three of the twenty-five consonant
sounds in the English language that cause the most problems will be
focused on. The first 3 consonants exercise that will be recorded are the
“T”, “Th”, “S” sounds beginning on page 94. See the corresponding


Week 4: Thursday, September 17th

deliver stories.

audience.


In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the consonants “T”, “Th”, and “S” recording.

Home Assignment: Record the second 3 part-series out-of-class exercise that demonstrates
the students’ articulation skill levels. Three of the twenty-five consonant
focused on. The second 3 consonants exercise that will be recorded are
the “Sh”, “N”, and “Ng” sounds beginning on page 94. See the
corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details.
Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next
class meeting.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, September 22nd

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Week 5: Tuesday, September 22nd

deliver stories.

audience.


In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the consonants “Sh”, “N”, and “Ng” recording.

Home Assignment: Record the final 3 part-series out-of-class exercise that demonstrates the
students’ articulation skill levels. Three of the twenty-five consonant
focused on. The final 3 consonants exercise that will be recorded are
the “L”, “Hw”, and “R” sounds beginning on page 94. See the
class meeting.


Week 5 : Thursday, September 24th

deliver stories.

audience.


In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the consonants “L”, “Hw”, and “R” recording.

Home Assignment: Write two 30 seconds radio spots of any type using the seven copy
marks (found on page 36) and record the spots in Voice Board via Black
Board. Submit the two spots for the Instructor’s review. The total time
for both productions should be 1 minute in length. The audio recording
should be emailed to the Instructor before the selected class meetings as
indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart. Submit
the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class
meeting.


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Objective(s): Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more
audience.


In-Class Experience: Review of the copy marks in the scripts and coaching session on the two
30 seconds recorded spots will occur during this class session.

Home Assignment: Record the two “Celebration” commercials (page 358) and utilize the four
major aspects of speech effectiveness such as: Pitch and Inflection,
Volume, Tempo, and Vitality and Energy for each commercial. The
audio assignment should be recorded by the students as a 4 part series.
During this assignment (Part 1), Pitch and Inflection should be
emphasized in the recording. See the corresponding Technology
Requirements chart for additional details. Submit the current Coaching
Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, October 1st

Week 6: Thursday, October 1st

audience.


In-Class Experience: Coaching session on Pitch and Inflection recording.

During this assignment (Part 2), Pitch and Inflection, and Volume should
be emphasized in the recording. See the corresponding Technology
Requirements chart for additional details. Submit the current Coaching

Assignment Due: Tuesday, October 6th

Week 7: Tuesday, October 6th

audience.


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Week 7: Tuesday, October 6th (Cont.d)

In-Class Experience: Coaching session on Pitch and Inflection, and Volume recording.

During this assignment (Part 3), Pitch and Inflection, Volume, and Tempo
should be emphasized in the recording. See the corresponding
class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, October 8th

Week 7: Thursday, October 8th

audience.


In-Class Experience: Coaching session on Pitch and Inflection, Volume, and Tempo recording.

During this assignment (Part 4), Pitch and Inflection, Volume, Tempo,
and Vitality and Energy should be emphasized in the recording. See the
class meeting.


Week 8: Tuesday, October 13th (FALL BREAK)

deliver stories.

In-Class Experience: Out-of-class practice on prior weak performance(s).

Home Assignment: Out-of-class practice on prior weak performance(s).

Assignment Due: N/A

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Week 8: Thursday, October 15th (FALL BREAK)

deliver stories.



Assignment Due: N/A


deliver stories.

In-Class Experience: Coaching session on Pitch and Inflection, Volume, Tempo, and Vitality
and Energy recording.

Home Assignment: Read about performing well in the announcing field in “Audio
Performance” (Chapter 5). Place emphasis on Performance Skill (page
112) and Achieving a Conversational Style (page 115). Duplicate and
learn the Checklist (Preparing to Perform) on page 114 and submit a
copy to the Instructor via email prior to the next class meeting. Be
prepared for a quiz on the chapter at the next class meeting. Key Terms
(Chapter 5): audience rapport, hand signals, hard copy, mic fright, microphone
consciousness, plosives, self-esteem, sibilance, time signals, vocal folds. Submit the
current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class
meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, October 22nd

Week 9: Thursday, October 22nd

deliver stories.


In-Class Experience: Quiz on “Audio Performance” (Chapter 5). Discuss the Checklist
(Preparing to Perform).

Home Assignment: Interview and record classmates about their backgrounds, professional
and personal interests, professional objectives, achievements, and any
other noteworthy information. The recorded audio presentation should
be 3 minutes in length. See the corresponding Technology
Requirements chart for additional details.


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deliver stories.


In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the classmates interview recording.

Home Assignment: Read about how to be an effective announcer in “Interviewer and Talk
Programs” (Chapter 8). Be prepared for a chapter quiz at the next class
meeting. Duplicate and learn the Checklist (Becoming a Skilled
Interviewer) on page 186 - 188 and submit a copy to the Instructor via
Black Board prior to the next class meeting. Key Terms (Chapter 8):
audience demographics, billing log, commercial cluster, debriefing log, equal time
provision, fairness doctrine, interview, vox pop, ladder of abstraction, MOS, panic button,
payola, personal attack, phone screener, plugola, program log. Submit the current
Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, October 29th

Week 10: Thursday, October 29th

deliver stories.


In-Class Experience: Quiz on “Interviewer and Talk Programs” (Chapter 8). Discuss the
Checklist (Becoming a Skilled Interviewer).

Home Assignment: Record one person in a professional position of any interesting discipline.
The exercise will illustrate the techniques and skills learned from the pre-
assessment interview (classmates). See the corresponding Technology

Assignment Due: Tuesday, November 3rd

Week 11: Tuesday, November 3rd

audience

In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the interview recording of a person in a
professional position.

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Week 11: Tuesday, November 3rd (Cont.d)

Home Assignment: Prepare questions about announcing techniques and experiences, future
trends, and career opportunities for the professional guest lecturer who
will appear at the next class meeting. Submit the current Coaching

Assignment Due: Thursday, November 5th

Week 11: Thursday, November 5th

audience.

In-Class Experience: Professional media guest will lecture to the class about announcing
techniques and experiences, future trends, and career opportunities.

Home Assignment: Prepare questions about announcing techniques and experiences, future
trends, and career opportunities for the professional guest lecturer who
will appear at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, November 10th

Week 12: Tuesday, November 10th

Objective(s): Produce relevant and meaningful media programs and become more
effective communicators.


In-Class Experience: Professional media guest will lecture to the class about announcing
techniques and experiences, future trends, and career opportunities.

Home Assignment: Record three 30 seconds PSAs via audio podcast as the final project for
the semester. The final project should be emailed to the Instructor prior
to a selected class meeting as indicated by the corresponding
Technology Requirement chart. The project should address three
significant local public service issues that the students face on a regular
basis.

Assignment Due: 1st Draft: Tuesday, November 24th
Final Draft: Thursday, December 3rd


deliver stories.

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Week 12: Thursday, November 12th (Cont.d)


In-Class Experience: Analyze professional audio recordings of PSAs and Commercials to
provide examples of expected delivery standards for the final project.

Home Assignment: As a post-assessment of the student’s skill level, practice and record
“William and His Friends,” page 55 in the text, and “The Diagnostic
Center,” on page 93. Practice each exercise for a minimal of 20 minutes
before recording them. See the corresponding Technology

Assignment Due: Tuesday, November 17th



In-Class Experience: Coaching session “William and His Friends” (page 55) and “The
Diagnostic Center (page 93).

Home Assignment: Continue preparing the final project on three audio PSAs. Submit the
meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, December 3rd



In-Class Experience: Continue coaching session “William and His Friends” (page 55) and “The
Diagnostic Center (page 93).

meeting.




In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the 1st Draft of the final project on three audio
PSAs.

18

Week 14: Tuesday, November 24th (Cont.d)

meeting.


Week 14: Thursday, November 26th (Thanksgiving Day)

deliver stories.



Assignment Due: N/A

Week 15: Tuesday, December 1st


In-Class Experience: Continue coaching session on the 1st Draft of the final project on three
audio PSAs.

meeting.


Week 15: Thursday, December 3rd (Last Day of Class)


In-Class Experience: Final coaching session on the final project on three audio PSAs.

Home Assignment: Submit a copy of the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor

Assignment Due: See final examination class session for final coaching session on the
final examination project (PSAs).

Happy Holiday Seasons!

19

Grading Scale

Participation 15 Points
Assignments 20 Points
Presentation Skills 20 Points
Final Examination/Project 25 Points
Attendance 20 Points
100 Points

Course Grading Procedure

100 – 90 Points = A
80 - 89 Points = B
70 - 79 Points = C
60 - 69 Points = D
59 & Below =F

20

Rubric Samples:

MCM 3321 – Media Presentation

PSA Final Examination Audio Project

Production Title ____________________________________________________

Student Producer ____________________________________________________

Crew Members ____________________________________________________

Genre ____________________________________________________

Length ____________________________________________________

Date ____________________________________________________

Rating Scale:

5=Excellent; 4=Very Good; 3=Good; 2=Fair; 1=Poor

Grading Scale: 60 Points – 49 Points = A; 48 Points – 37 Points = B; 36 Points – 25 Points = C;
24 Points – 13 Points = D; 12 Points and Below = F

Content and Organization

1. The information or story is well paced and developed in a manner that keeps viewers interested (The
story has a beginning, middle, and end).

5 4 3 2 1

2. Demonstrated planning through all parts of the production.

5 4 3 2 1

3. Provided fresh, interesting insights into the subject of the audio (The story is creative and original).

5 4 3 2 1

4. Meets its purpose for intended audience; content accuracy and objectivity.

5 4 3 2 1

5. Documentation: Complies with requirements. Script attached; copyright permission credited.

5 4 3 2 1

21

Delivery Techniques

1. Demonstrated the effective use of Pitch and Inflection.

5 4 3 2 1

2. Demonstrated the effective use of Volume.

5 4 3 2 1

3. Demonstrated the effective use of Tempo.

5 4 3 2 1

4. Demonstrated the effective use of Vitality and Energy.

5 4 3 2 1

Technical Quality

1. Audio: Balanced background music; clarity; appropriateness of silence.

5 4 3 2 1

2. Editing / Clean Transitions; Synchronization; Time.

5 4 3 2 1

3. Use of Special Effects; Titles; Credits.

General Effectiveness

An overall evaluation of the production, based on the above points, combined with the considered judgment
of the evaluator

5 4 3 2 1

TOTAL POINTS: _____________

COMMENTS: _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

22

MCM 3321 – Media Presentation

Four Aspects of Speech Effectiveness

Assignment Title ______________________________________________________

Student ______________________________________________________

Date ______________________________________________________

Rating Scale:

5=Excellent; 4=Very Good; 3=Good; 2=Fair; 1=Poor

Grading Scale: 50 Points = A; 49 Points – 40 Points = B; 39 Points – 30 Points = C;
29 Points – 20 Points = D; 19 Points and Below = F

Delivery Techniques

1. Demonstrated the effective use of Pitch and Inflection.

5 4 3 2 1

2. Demonstrated the effective use of Volume.

5 4 3 2 1

3. Demonstrated the effective use of Tempo.

5 4 3 2 1

4. Demonstrated the effective use of Vitality and Energy.

5 4 3 2 1

5. Demonstrated the effective use of Articulation.

5 4 3 2 1

6. Demonstrated effective use of Voice Quality.

5 4 3 2

23

7. Demonstrated effective use of Sibilance.

5 4 3 2 1

8. Demonstrated effective use of Plosives

5 4 3 2 1

9. Demonstrated effective use of the microphone.

5 4 3 2 1

10. Demonstrated content accuracy and objectivity.

5 4 3 2 1

General Effectiveness

An overall evaluation of the production, based on the above points, combined with the considered judgment
of the evaluator

5 4 3 2 1

TOTAL POINTS: _____________

COMMENTS: _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

24

Essential Internet Resources

“Announcing for the Electronic Media” (Chapter 1):

www.bis.gov/oco/ocos087.htm - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
www.futurecasting2000.com/agency.htm - Talent agency

www.pozproductions.com/agtmainp.htm - Talent agency
www.beaweb.org/directories.html - Talent agency

“The Announcer as Communicator” (Chapter 2):

www.ozvoxaudio.com - Professional audition performances
www.voiceprofessionals.com - Professional audition performances

“Voice Analysis and Improvement” (Chapter 3):

www.etext.lib.virginia.edu/britpo.html - The UVA Library’s major Bristish and American poets’ collection

“Audio Performance” (Chapter 5)

www.pbs.org/newshour/essays~dialogues.html - Commentary and radio essay scripts from NPR’s Jim Lehrer

“Interview and Talk Programs” (Chapter 8)

www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/ - CNN’s transcripts of interviews with newsmakers

Sample course syllabus MCM 3321 Media Presentation

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Sample course syllabus MCM 3321 Media Presentation