Abstract
Higher education is rapidly changing and in order to survive instructors need to meet students where they are; this means rethinking and challenging some of the traditional approaches to public speaking in the Basic Communication Course (BCC). This essay outlines how the authors implemented a new assignment in their BCC based on Marshall Ganz’s concept of the Public Narrative. The authors explain their approach and review the benefits and challenges of implementing the Public Narrative into their BCC.
Erratum
Note: This item was revised July 27, 2026, to add acknowledgment of the contribution by Dr. Rick Herder, who was instrumental in developing the assignment noted in the piece and in helping the program embrace Public Narrative in the Basic Communication Course.
Recommended Citation
Goblish, Jenifer; Fokken, Mark; and Walker, Ben
(2025)
"Using Public Narrative in the Basic Course,"
Basic Communication Course Annual: Vol. 37, Article 12.
Available at:
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/bcca/vol37/iss1/12