Speech Communication

Program Level:

Degrees, Pre-Majors/Transfer

Department:

Fine & Performing Arts/Speech Communication

Institute:

Creative & Communication Arts

College:

PAC

What is the speech communication program?

The Speech Communication program at Palo Alto College gives students opportunities to learn and practice effective communication in a supportive, hands-on environment. Through presentations, discussions, group activities, and feedback, students develop skills they can use in the classroom, workplace, and community.

Whether you're preparing to transfer to a four-year university, developing skills for your current career, or exploring future professional opportunities, Speech Communication courses can help you become a more confident and effective communicator.

This program is a THECB-approved Field of Study. All coursework fully transfers to satisfy the first two years of a Communications degree at any four-year public college or university in Texas.

Speech Communication Program Highlights

Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communication
Business and Professional Speech
Oral Interpretation
Voice and Diction
Pronunciation and public speaking courses for the non-native speakers of English

Communication Skills for College, Career, and Community

Strong communication skills can support students in the classroom, workplace, and community. Courses in Speech Communication provide opportunities to develop skills in critical thinking, public speaking, collaboration, interpersonal communication, and professional communication.

Critical Thinking and Strategic Communication

Courses: SPCH 1311 and SPCH 1315

What you'll learn:
Evaluate information, recognize flawed reasoning, develop evidence-based ideas, and communicate your perspective clearly.

How you can use it:
These skills can support communication in a variety of academic and professional settings, including healthcare, business, education, law, public service, and other fields.

Public Speaking and Professional Communication

Courses: SPCH 1311, SPCH 1315, and SPCH 1321

What you'll learn:
Develop and deliver effective presentations, strengthen verbal and nonverbal communication, and practice communicating with confidence in different settings.

How you can use it:
These skills can help you participate in class discussions, interviews, meetings, presentations, and other professional situations.

Collaboration and Team Communication

Courses: SPCH 1311, SPCH 1315, SPCH 1318, and SPCH 1321

What you'll learn:
Practice active listening, group communication, collaboration, and constructive approaches to different perspectives and conflicts.

How you can use it:
Effective teamwork is important in college, the workplace, and community settings. These skills can help you contribute to group projects and work effectively with others.

Ethical and Responsible Communication

Courses: SPCH 1311, SPCH 1315, SPCH 1318, and SPCH 1321

What you'll learn:
Consider the role of evidence, accuracy, ethics, and diverse perspectives when speaking and listening.

How you can use it:
Responsible communication can help you build trust, participate in meaningful conversations, and communicate respectfully across different settings and viewpoints.

Cultural Awareness and Adaptive Communication

Courses: SPCH 1311 and SPCH 1315

What you'll learn:
Explore how culture, identity, and other factors influence communication and practice, adapting your communication for different audiences.

How you can use it:
San Antonio is home to diverse communities and perspectives. Understanding how people communicate differently can help you navigate academic, professional, and community environments.

Technology and Communication

Courses: SPCH 1311, SPCH 1315, and SPCH 1321

What you'll learn:
Use digital tools and presentation technologies to support research, organize information, and communicate ideas effectively.

How you can use it:
Technology is part of communication in many academic and professional settings. These skills can help you use digital tools thoughtfully while keeping the focus on your message and audience.

Our Courses

Explore communication through courses that provide opportunities to learn, practice, and apply skills in a variety of settings.

View Courses

SPCH 1311 — Introduction to Speech Communication

Explore foundational concepts of human communication and examine how culture, identity, and other factors influence interactions. This course provides a foundation for further study in communication.

SPCH 1315 — Public Speaking

Research, prepare, and deliver speeches while practicing effective verbal and nonverbal communication. Build your public speaking skills through preparation, practice, and feedback.

SPCH 1318 — Interpersonal Communication

Explore the communication skills involved in personal and professional relationships. Topics include listening, conflict management, self-awareness, and communication in interpersonal settings.

SPCH 1321 — Business and Professional Speech

Develop communication skills for professional settings, including audience analysis, presentations, and workplace communication. Students practice communicating ideas clearly and appropriately for different professional audiences.

Degrees

Associate of Arts (Concentration in Speech and Communications)