Providing both a rationale and a syllabus for a basic course in communication skills for college students training to be teachers, this paper explains why such elements as training in audiovisual aids and writing instruction were left out of the basic course and placed in elective courses. It then presents a detailed discussion of the topics covered in the 12-week required course, including (1) the structure of the English language; (2) nonverbal language; (3) creative drama and puppetry; (4) the knowledge, skills, and qualities required of a classroom teacher; and (5) choral speaking. Appendixes contain a statement of the role of speech in human society, a speech rating guide, a description of a group activity, a discussion of the speech mechanism, and a chart for judging debates. (FL)