Abstract
Public speaking courses often reflect Eurocentric rhetorical traditions, focusing on argumentation, logic, and individual presentation styles. This essay proposes a redesign of public speaking curriculum by incorporating storytelling traditions from Asian and African cultures. These traditions emphasize communal narratives, moral lessons, and audience engagement through relatable stories, offering a richer, more inclusive approach. The essay contrasts the communal and narrative-focused traditions of Asian and African storytelling with Western argumentation and rhetoric. It advocates for integrating these storytelling techniques into public speaking courses to make them more representative of global perspectives, benefiting both international and domestic students. Such integration would prevent international students from being derooted from their cultural practices and enhance Western approaches with diversity and engagement. The essay concludes by suggesting that this cultural synthesis enriches public speaking, creating a more comprehensive, inclusive, and global pedagogy.
Recommended Citation
Joseph, Dious
(2025)
"Reimagining the Basic Course: Integrating Asian and African Storytelling Traditions in Public Speaking Pedagogy,"
Basic Communication Course Annual: Vol. 37, Article 10.
Available at:
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/bcca/vol37/iss1/10
Included in
Higher Education Commons, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Other Communication Commons, Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons