Principles of Public Speaking

[Drummerboy]

Hello all,

I go to take the DSST Public Speaking exam on Wednesday. I finally found someone who would proctor the test in Jackson, TN. Currently, I'm just getting some last minute jitters.

How picky are the speech graders? I just looked over the Peterson example for a speech. It talks about nuclear energy and how over 200 nuclear power plants are scattered across Europe. How in the world I am I supposed to know this type of stuff? Do the graders expect me to give detailed facts to support my argument?

[Shawn A]

Hello all,

I go to take the DSST Public Speaking exam on Wednesday. I finally found someone who would proctor the test in Jackson, TN. Currently, I'm just getting some last minute jitters.

How picky are the speech graders? I just looked over the Peterson example for a speech. It talks about nuclear energy and how over 200 nuclear power plants are scattered across Europe. How in the world I am I supposed to know this type of stuff? Do the graders expect me to give detailed facts to support my argument?

The more I read about this exam, the more I think that the speech portion is a random crap shoot. If you know the random topic you will do well, and if you don't, you're screwed.

I think the far better option is the BYU Independent Study Speech Course.

That being said, good luck on the exam.

[KBnoweapons]

Drummerboy, you're funny. I'm scheduled to take this test Thursday. I called the proctor and asked about the speech topic, and I mentioned the nuclear stuff and told her I knew nothing about it. She said the people who grade care more about the delivery of the speech than what's actually in it.

She told me to make sure I have an introduction which includes your name, what I do, and state in the introduction what I will be talking to the audience about, and for me to take a position one way or the other (if I agree or disagree). Then go into my Main Point which should be a complete sentence; give two supporting paragraphs to the Main Point, then before I conclude, summarize my points and then say, thank you so much for your time... Have a wonderful day.

Never say uh, um, stuff like that. Speak loud enough, clear, and articulate, that's what they care more about.

I might do okay if I don't pass out before I finish. I get really nervous when taking tests, to the point I start seeing spots before my eyes.

[Drummerboy]

Just got back from taking Principles of Speech. I would like to tell everyone I passed, but of course I won't know for another 8 weeks or so. I feel pretty good about it, but still a little uneasy. The proctor had me do the speech part first, and I was surprised at that. But it was probably a better order---I got the stressful part out of the way first! What really helped was my proctor stepping out of the room when I recorded my speech. She probably heard every word, but I didn't feel as nervous.

I must have been given the only speech question I didn't practice for. I bought the Wise Owl's Guide to the test and must have practiced over a dozen speech topics.

Well, you'll find me in the waiting room.

[KBnoweapons]

Just got back from taking Principles of Speech. I would like to tell everyone I passed, but of course I won't know for another 8 weeks or so. I feel pretty good about it, but still a little uneasy. The proctor had me do the speech part first, and I was surprised at that. But it was probably a better order---I got the stressful part out of the way first! What really helped was my proctor stepping out of the room when I recorded my speech. She probably heard every word, but I didn't feel as nervous.

I must have been given the only speech question I didn't practice for. I bought the Wise Owl's Guide to the test and must have practiced over a dozen speech topics.

Well, you'll find me in the waiting room.

Drummerboy, I'm glad you feel good about the test. I too took the test this morning, and must say I still feel a little uneasy but do think I did well. My proctor did the same thing, stepped out of the room, but then came back. I happened to get one of the topics I practiced, thank goodness!!! I was a little nervous but after the first minute, I started to feel better.

My proctor gave me the paper which showed my topic, then he said I have 10 minutes to prepare, gave me several sheets of paper, and I wrote out my entire speech on two sheets. After I gave my speech, he took two pieces of paper to send in with my test.

I think I did well. Of course, I will keep you posted. Now, I must start studying for the Lifespan Development DSST exam.