SPCH 103: Performance Development

Overview

The presentation of aural and visual information in digital media calls into play most aspects of the psychology of human communication. This class builds skills in the actions and behaviors we use to communicate meaning, as well as the vocal tone and tenor through which we prove our credibility and close knowledge of content. Those who master these principles will be more polished and professional, more comfortable in front of the camera and microphone, and therefore will be more appealing to their audiences. Ultimately, such qualities help make us better, more marketable communicators in every area of life in which we interact with others.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Appear comfortable and relaxed during on-camera delivery, while communicating a sense of story context through appropriate actions and behaviors.
• Modulate pace, volume, energy, and pitch in voice-over delivery to convey appropriate levels of emphasis, neutrality, emotional variation and thoughtfulness.
• Dress for various reporting environments, and when and how to use makeup for high definition television.

Course Requirements

This course is a digital media course. Therefore, you will need a way to record high-quality audio and video every week. Specifically, you will need the following:

• A video camera (preferably digital
• Basic two light setup for video (at minimum)
• A sturdy tripod
• Capability to digitally transfer video from camera onto a computer hard drive
• Video-capture and editing software such as Windows Movie Maker (standard with Windows XP) or iLife (Mac
• A free account on YouTube
• A headset or stand microphone connected to your computer. Please obtain the highest quality USB microphone you can.
• Audio capturing and editing software such as Audacity (free download for Windows, Linux, or Mac) or GarageBand (Mac)

Required Texts
SPCH 103 texts are available from the JIU/MBS bookstore