CWB203 Strategic Speech
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | CWB203 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | CCB203 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,174 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,020 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $4,944 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | CWB203 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | CCB203 |
| Coordinator: | Lesley Irvine | l.irvine@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The ability to present a spoken message is a highly desirable skill in education, employment and life. Across a range of fields and professions, graduates will have many opportunities to speak in a variety of contexts, both live and mediated. Taking an audience-centred approach, this unit focuses on creating and analysing spoken messages. It introduces theories of language, rhetoric and persuasion which are interrelated to promote understanding and development of your communication skills. Regular practice sessions in a safe and supportive learning environment will enhance skills needed to become competent and confident communicators. An emphasis on self-reflection supports the importance of ongoing development of these skills.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate and present material in a professional and persuasive manner, both oral and written.
- Discuss and analyse the rhetorical bases of persuasive speaking underpinning the choices a speaker makes in public presentations, whether in a live situation or via the media.
- Reflect on and appraise individual oral communication skills in both interpersonal and public contexts.
Content
This unit draws from the following areas:
- meaning-making and the construction of reality
- theories of persuasion and an understanding of audience
- preparing for speaking • persuasive strategies
- persuasion in action • practical critiques
- non-verbal and verbal languages.
Learning Approaches
The unit is taught using a mix of lectures, tutorials and online resources. The lectures are designed to explore the theoretical concepts underpinning the areas of communication practice studied in this unit. Video and textual case studies of speakers are used to explore aspects of professional communication.
The unit develops a distinctive, self-reflexive approach to learning to encourage independent critical inquiry, creativity and a commitment to professionalism. Material developed for this unit as well as weekly exercises, provide the opportunity to study persuasive messages, receive constructive feedback and engage in reflective practice.
You are encouraged to take part in all scheduled activities and to demonstrate that you have completed the relevant preparation tasks. Some tutorial sessions will be set aside for assessment items. For online students, there is a mix of synchronous and asynchronous tutorials offering interactive speaking opportunities throughout the semester.
This unit recognises that speaking in front of others can bring about varying feelings of unease. Tutorials (and speaking activities) are run in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. If you are experiencing difficulties, you are encouraged to speak with your tutor or unit coordinator.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback on your performance in this unit will be provided in various ways, including:
- feedback on formative tasks/activities completed in tutorials
- criteria sheets and additional comments on summative assessment tasks
- advice delivered through Canvas communications
- feedback and support from peers in your tutorial.
Assessment
Overview
There are three major assignments for this unit where you will demonstrate your developing capabilities regarding the theory and practice of speech and interpersonal communication. The first two pieces of assessment are oral presentations. The final piece is a written reflection.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Oral presentation (Critique)
You will be required to present a 5-7-minute oral critique of a speech in your tutorial.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Oral presentation (Persuasive)
You will present a live persuasive speech in your tutorial. The overall presentation will run for 8 minutes: the first five for delivering your message, and the final three for answering questions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Reflective journal
Throughout the semester you will complete a reflective journal made up of six entries that examine in-class speaking activities and your developing awareness of yourself as a speaker.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages.
You will be advised if a unit requires additional mandatory health and safety inductions.
Resources
Resource materials and set readings will be provided on the Canvas site for this unit.
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Please be advised that this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matters that may be considered confronting, such as certain representations of race, class, gender and violence. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | CWB203 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | CCB203 |
Overview
The ability to present a spoken message is a highly desirable skill in education, employment and life. Across a range of fields and professions, graduates will have many opportunities to speak in a variety of contexts, both live and mediated. Taking an audience-centred approach, this unit focuses on creating and analysing spoken messages. It introduces theories of language, rhetoric and persuasion which are interrelated to promote understanding and development of your communication skills. Regular practice sessions in a safe and supportive learning environment will enhance skills needed to become competent and confident communicators. An emphasis on self-reflection supports the importance of ongoing development of these skills.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate and present material in a professional and persuasive manner, both oral and written.
- Discuss and analyse the rhetorical bases of persuasive speaking underpinning the choices a speaker makes in public presentations, whether in a live situation or via the media.
- Reflect on and appraise individual oral communication skills in both interpersonal and public contexts.
Content
This unit draws from the following areas:
- meaning-making and the construction of reality
- theories of persuasion and an understanding of audience
- preparing for speaking • persuasive strategies
- persuasion in action • practical critiques
- non-verbal and verbal languages.
Learning Approaches
The unit is taught using a mix of lectures, tutorials and online resources. The lectures are designed to explore the theoretical concepts underpinning the areas of communication practice studied in this unit. Video and textual case studies of speakers are used to explore aspects of professional communication.
The unit develops a distinctive, self-reflexive approach to learning to encourage independent critical inquiry, creativity and a commitment to professionalism. Material developed for this unit as well as weekly exercises, provide the opportunity to study persuasive messages, receive constructive feedback and engage in reflective practice.
You are encouraged to take part in all scheduled activities and to demonstrate that you have completed the relevant preparation tasks. Some tutorial sessions will be set aside for assessment items. For online students, there is a mix of synchronous and asynchronous tutorials offering interactive speaking opportunities throughout the semester.
This unit recognises that speaking in front of others can bring about varying feelings of unease. Tutorials (and speaking activities) are run in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. If you are experiencing difficulties, you are encouraged to speak with your tutor or unit coordinator.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback on your performance in this unit will be provided in various ways, including:
- feedback on formative tasks/activities completed in tutorials
- criteria sheets and additional comments on summative assessment tasks
- advice delivered through Canvas communications
- feedback and support from peers in your tutorial.
Assessment
Overview
There are three major assignments for this unit where you will demonstrate your developing capabilities regarding the theory and practice of speech and interpersonal communication. The first two pieces of assessment are oral presentations. The final piece is a written reflection.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Oral presentation (Critique)
You will be required to present a 5-7-minute oral critique of a speech in your tutorial.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Oral presentation (Persuasive)
You will present a live persuasive speech in your tutorial. The overall presentation will run for 8 minutes: the first five for delivering your message, and the final three for answering questions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Reflective journal
Throughout the semester you will complete a reflective journal made up of six entries that examine in-class speaking activities and your developing awareness of yourself as a speaker.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages.
You will be advised if a unit requires additional mandatory health and safety inductions.
Resources
Resource materials and set readings will be provided on the Canvas site for this unit.
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Please be advised that this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matters that may be considered confronting, such as certain representations of race, class, gender and violence. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.