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Course name
Public Speaking: Rhetoric Basics with Monica Cincotta
Recorded course taught by Monica Cincotta for High School, Middle School Public Speaking
Category
Speech & Communication ➤ Public Speaking
Grade
High School, Middle School
Semester
Recorded
Summary

Instructor Access (optional grading support) is available for this course, for $30!

What tree do you choose for your very sunny yard? This is the question students will pose as they learn the basic principles of rhetoric, which include techniques of persuasion, argumentation, and simple logic. Learning to craft factual arguments, while at the same time recognizing fallacies, will be the backbone of this course. This type of persuasive public speaking is used to influence an audience to trust a certain point of view. With practice, one can become confident presenting arguments in a variety of situations. The scope of this course is techniques of public speaking; therefore, debate will be limited to opening and closing arguments, and not a formal debate situation.

Course description: This is a graded elective course for middle school students. Students are required, according to their ability, to make different types of presentations, such as recitation, formal speeches, and presenting facts and evidence which help one learn the art of debate.  Score sheets will be used and calculated for all presentations. Students will be scored on their own merit, not against others. Most presentations will be about 3-8 minutes and given live to an audience of family and friends. Students will prepare 4 major presentations. Graded quizzes will be given on basic public speaking principles, rhetorical techniques, and recognizing fallacies.

Note: For students who use Instructor Access for grading speeches- all presentations will need to be recorded in video format. Specific directions are given with assignments.

InstructorMonica Cincotta

Special notes

It would be most helpful if students do each presentations in front of a live audience of family members or friends who could also give constructive criticism to help the student improve his/her public speaking skills.

Duration

recorded class lectures are about 45 minutes

Prerequisites

None

Suggested grade level

6th -10th grade (High School students will give longer timed speeches)

Suggested credit

One semester of Speech/Communication/Language Arts

Outline

Course outline:A balance of class lectures and student presentations. This course includes 5 recorded lectures pertaining to the topic and presentation styles. The varied presentations may each take 1-2 weeks to prepare and then present. The course could be completed in 9 weeks but more likely may take 12 weeks to complete.

Class 1: Introduction and Overview of Public Speaking and Rhetoric

Class 2:  Basic Skills for Public Speakers and Recitation

Presentation: Recitation

Class 3: Persuasive Speech Techniques/Famous Speeches

Class 5 Persuasive Speech

Class 6 Persuasive Speech

Class 7 Persuasive Speech

Class 8  The Art of Debate/Rhetorical Devices/Recognizing Fallacies

Class 9   Fallacy Exercises/Present “The Case of the Very Sunny Yard”

Class 10 Opening Argument: Choose this Tree

Class 11   Opening Arguments: Choose this Tree

Class 12 Review all evidence - critique

Class 13 Closing arguments: Why choose this tree?

Class 14 Closing arguments: Why choose this tree?/ Class VOTE for the best tree

Materials

  • Course Materials: There is no textbook. Materials are dependent on the type of presentation. Some may require props or poster boards. Some may utilize a slide show program like Microsoft PowerPoint. Index cards are recommended for organization of speech content.

Homework

Homework: Students will spend about 3-6 hours researching, preparing, and practicing for each of the four presentations, which are planned to occur about every two weeks. Two Caravel quizzes will check for understanding.

Course name
Public Speaking: Rhetoric Basics with Monica Cincotta
Instructor
Monica Cincotta
Semester
Recorded
Category
Speech & Communication ➤ Public Speaking
Grade levels
High School, Middle School
Start time
January 8th, 2026 at 9:30 AM ET
Course type
Recorded, free with subscription
Relative due dates
Relative due dates are enabled for this course.
Enhanced quiz security
Enhanced assignment security

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Monica Cincotta
mcincotta.hsc@gmail.com

With over thirty years of experience as an educator both at home and in public settings, Monica Cincotta now focuses mainly on helping parents educate their children. Her diverse background in teaching, consulting, and leadership provides the perfect foundation for educating children with Homeschool Connections. This experience combines her vocation as educator with her understanding of the needs of a homeschool family, especially through the high school years.

Monica holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Trenton State College (today- The College of NJ). She is certified as an Elementary Teacher and a General Music Teacher. She has taught music to all ages from infants to adult. She has taught various school subjects at home, in a cooperative setting, and as a tutor. She has directed children’s theater, directed choir, judged 4H Public Presentations, taught all levels of CCD, coordinated years of Vacation Bible School, and continues to coordinate retreats, healing services, and Life in the Spirit seminars.

Although, her children have graduated, Monica continues to teach local homeschoolers and teach piano. She is a certified Spiritual Director and is the Chapter Director of the Marian Servants® of the Holy Family, a Public Association of the Christian Faithful, in her diocese.

A “Jersey Girl” from birth, Monica enjoys the beach and walking the boardwalk, as well as eating pork roll or tomato sandwiches. Her greatest accomplishment is being married thirty-plus years to her devoted husband, Paul. They share the joy of life with their four children and two granddaughters.

Mrs. Cincotta looks forward to sharing her appreciation of music with students, as well as helping students build confidence as public speakers.

Click here for more info about Monica!