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For more information, contact:
Prof. Robin Murray, Chair
SCTA, B24 KFA
UW-River Falls
410 S. 3rd Street
River Falls, WI 54022
Phone: 715-425-4895

Or email her at robin.e.murray@uwrf.edu

SCTA 101, SECTION 50
FUNDAMENTALS OF ORAL COMMUNICATION TEST-OUT

General Statement
Credit for SCTA 101 will be granted through successful achievement of both the written examination and the persuasive speech. The Department of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts gives careful attention to the quality of student performances on both the written examination and the speech. Students permitted to register for test-out should recognize that the test and speech will be evaluated as if they were the final comprehensive examination and final speech in a regular SCTA 101 class. The registered student is expected to perform at an above average level (A or B). See below.

Registration for Test-Out
The Test Out is offered every year during spring semester. The student should register for Communication Studies and Theatre Arts (SCTA) course number 101, section 50. In order to register for Test-out, the student should have had previous training/experience in oral communication such as classes, forensics, etc.

Written Examination
After registering for test-out, the student will take the written examination based on the text, COMMUNICATE! by Rudolph Verderber. This test will be scheduled within the first four weeks of the semester. The text is available from the Textbook Library. Students who receive a B or better on the exam will be permitted to proceed to giving the speech. Students who do not receive a passing score will be given a late drop. [REMEMBER -- 12 CREDITS MUST BE MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER TO BE A FULL-TIME STUDENT AND TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID.]

Speech
The speech must be an 8-10 minutes persuasive speech which is delivered extemporaneously. A full sentence outline with bibliography is required. The student is expected to use a variety of support material from several sources. The instructor of the test-out will provide a schedule for the presentations and a due date for the outline.

Standards for Grading Speeches
Students who give either a superior or above-average speech will receive a final grade. Two-thirds of the final grade comes from the grade on the speech and one-third from the grade on the examination. Students who do not successfully complete an above-average speech will also be given a late drop. Students who receive a drop must register for a regular section of SCTA 101. [A STUDENT MAY REGISTER FOR TEST-OUT ONLY ONCE.] [REMEMBER -- 12 CREDITS MUST BE MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER TO BE A FULL-TIME STUDENT AND TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID.]

A SUPERIOR SPEECH (A) ...
1. Shows superior application of material in the text and in lectures.
2. Demonstrates creative applications of concepts and experiences to the content and style of the speech.
3. Chooses challenging topics and develops them with skillful organization and delivery.
4. Meets the criteria for the assignments with outstanding skills and accuracy.
5. Shows extensive preparation and practice.

AN ABOVE-AVERAGE SPEECH (B) ...
1. Shows better than average application of material from the text and lectures.
2. Demonstrates some creative applications of concepts and principles to the content and style of the speech.
3. Chooses demanding topics and adapts them appropriately to the criteria of the assignment.
4. Meets the criteria specified in the assignment in an above average fashion.
5. Shows above average preparation and skill in preparing outlines and delivering the speech.

The following speech critique form shall be used for evaluating the extemporaneous speech.

Name _______________________________ Grade __________
Topic _________________________________________________

1-poor, 2-average, 3-above average, 4-superior........Comments

Subject: Of interest, significance? Adapted to assignment, speaker, and audience? Subject properly narrowed?
Analysis: Approach to subject original, interesting Central idea, goal, purpose clear? Logical division into significant, interesting subordinating ideas?
Material: Specific, valid, relevant, varied, sufficient, interesting? Properly distributed? Adapted to audience? Do you prove your points? Logically?
Organization: Introduction, body, conclusion? Clear arrangement of ideas? Pattern of development adapted to ideas and audience? Thesis definite? Thesis reinforced throughout the speech? Appropriate transition?
Language: Clear, accurate, varied, vivid? Are the verbs active? Correct, appropriate standard of usage? In conversational mode?
Adjustment of Speaker: Poised, at ease, communicative? Aware of audience reaction to speech? Pace adjusted? Does speaker make what s/he has to say sound important?
Bodily Action: Is speaker animated? Is posture and movement appropriate? Are the actions purposeful and natural? Eye contact?
Voice and Fluency: Conversational? Varied in rate, volume, pitch, intensity, quality? Expressiveness of logical, emotional meanings? Extemporaneous? Clear, correct articulation? Acceptable standards of pronunciation?
Persuasion: Powerful, appropriate images? Specific appeal to audience, common ground established? Arguments arranged logically? Sources credible? Persuasive purpose established? Were sources orally sited?
General Effectiveness: Maintains audience attention? Visual effective if used? Speaker's thesis achieved?