Stanford Root

Schedule

Stanford Root

Schedule

ORALCOMM 176

Character or Charisma? Speeches that Move, Inspire and Shape the World

UNITS:4
GRADING:Letter (ABCD/NP)
LEVEL:Undergrad
GER:Writing 2

What makes a speech truly great? When you think about words that have impacted you, who or what texts come to mind? What can we learn from these examples to better understand the power of language and the kind of communicators we want to be? In this course, we'll explore classic and contemporary theories of persuasive communication, highlighting rhetorical techniques and patterns of argument used in moving speeches. Students will have an opportunity to analyze, discuss, and present inspirational and motivational rehetorics. This class fulfills the WR 2 requirement. Prerequisite: PWR 1.

Syllabus for selected term:
View Autumn 2026 Syllabus

Sections

1 Term
Seminar 1Open
ID: 26618
0 / 17 enrolled
DAYS:Tuesday, Thursday
TIME:1:30 PM – 3:20 PM
LOCATION:200-217
INSTRUCTOR:
Lie, Helen
4units

ORALCOMM 176: Character or Charisma? Speeches that Move, Inspire and Shape the World

4 units · Letter (ABCD/NP) · GER: Writing 2

What makes a speech truly great? When you think about words that have impacted you, who or what texts come to mind? What can we learn from these examples to better understand the power of language and the kind of communicators we want to be? In this course, we'll explore classic and contemporary theories of persuasive communication, highlighting rhetorical techniques and patterns of argument used in moving speeches. Students will have an opportunity to analyze, discuss, and present inspirational and motivational rehetorics. This class fulfills the WR2 requirement. Prerequisite: PWR 1.

Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.

Autumn 2026 sections

  • Seminar — Tuesday Thursday 1:30 PM – 3:20 PM — 200-217 — Lie, Helen (Undergrad)

More ORALCOMM courses

  • ORALCOMM 105: Voice and Articulation Intensive for Non-Native English Speakers
  • ORALCOMM 115: Voice Workshop (ORALCOMM 215)
  • ORALCOMM 117: The Art of Effective Speaking (ORALCOMM 217)
  • ORALCOMM 119: Oral Communication Tutor Teaching Practicum
  • ORALCOMM 126: Oral Documentary Workshop
  • ORALCOMM 172: Love: Art, Science, and Practice
  • ORALCOMM 177: Performance of Power: Oratory and Authority from the Ancient World to the Postmodern
  • ORALCOMM 190: Designing for Care: Building a Story Pharmacy
  • ORALCOMM 215: Voice Workshop (ORALCOMM 115)
  • ORALCOMM 217: The Art of Effective Speaking (ORALCOMM 117)

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