Music Speech Proficiency

Music Education majors can elect to take the Speech Proficiency Exam in place of Oral Communication (COMS 1203). If you choose to do that, the below guidelines that will apply to pass your proficiency.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Length: 

 No less than 5 minutes, no more than 7 minutes. Exam will be timed, and exact speech time will be recorded on the evaluation form. Missing the time parameters will result in failure of the exam, no exceptions. Please practice the speech several times to work on timing and to sort out logistics and technological demands. 

 Topic: 

 The explanation of a musical concept, or the step-by-step demonstration of a musical process. Many possible topics exist, but some examples include: 

 

 

 

 

 

 “Proper Breathing Technique for Playing the Clarinet” 

 “Building Major and Minor Scales” 

 “Musical Characteristics of the Baroque Period” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Note: The speech topic must be approved prior to the exam date! Once a topic has been chosen, contact the exam supervisor, Dr. Stephanie Hoeckley to submit your topic and schedule the exam date.  

 Required Materials: 

 

 

 

 

 

 At least one self-prepared visual aid. Your instrument will not count as a visual aid. This often takes the form of, but is not limited to, PowerPoint slides. 

 Typed outline of speech, along with complete citations of any sources used. Two copies of the speech outline should be given to Dr. Faske and Dr. Hoeckley before an in-person speech exam begins. Alternatively, you may email copies of the outline to shoeckley@astate.edu . 

 A minimum of three sources used should be used in the research and preparation of the speech. No less than two of these sources should be cited during the speech itself. “According to Johnson and Johnson, page 43, skies are blue....” 

 No more than three 4”x6” note cards may be used, with writing on one side of each card only. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Criteria: 

 To be successful, students must: 

 

 

 

 

 Present a suitable, pre-approved topic. 

 Show evidence of organization (content-introduction, body of speech, and conclusion/summary) and pre-planning (visual aids and supporting materials). 

 Provide copies (or email attachments) of the typed speech outline to each examiner. 

 Deliver the speech in a conversational manner, with appropriate vocal inflections and non-verbal gestures. 

 Use language appropriate for a secondary school audience. 

 Adhere to the time limits.