Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Speech Communication Department

Armstrong Hall
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Dr. Daniel Cronn-Mills, Chair
Dr. Kristen Cvancara, Director of Graduate Studies
Kathy Steiner, Administrative Assistant

507-389-2213
507-389-3284 (fax)
1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY)

Speech Communication Test-out Procedures

• An opportunity will be provided before the start of each academic year for students to test out of Speech Communication 100 or Speech Communication 102.
• Students may attempt to test out of 100/102 only once (the test-out limit is retroactive).
• students who do not pass the test-out examinations and desire to receive credit for Speech 100/102 must register for 100/102.
• Test out days will be: 1) The week before the start of fall semester; 2) Three days before the start of spring semester.
• A copy of the speech evaluation form will be made available to students prior to the speech.

Speech 100 (Fundamentals of Communication)

Two steps:

Step 1:
Successful completion of a comprehensive objective test of basic communication terms, theories, concepts and applications. Students must score at the 80th percentile or above to successfully complete the test. Students who achieve the 80th percentile or above will be allowed to move to Step 2.

Step 2:
Preparation and presentation of an extemporaneous informative or persuasive speech. Students will receive a speech topic one day in advance of the presentation. Students will have one day to research, prepare, and rehearse a speech. Students will present the speech at a time and place determined by the secretary of the Department. The presented speech will be evaluated utilizing "The Competent Speaker" speech evaluation form, a nationally normed public speaking evaluation form developed by the National Communication Association. Evaluations will be completed by no fewer than two Speech Communication Department instructors, both of whom will have received training in the use of "The Competent Speaker" form. The speech must be between 6-10 minutes in length; evidence from a minimum of three different sources must be appropriately orally cited within the text of the speech. Students must score a minimum of 19 on a 24 pt. scale, and may have no more than one competency area rated unsatisfactory.

Speech 102 (Public Speaking)

Two steps:

Step 1:
Successful completion of a comprehensive objective test of basic communication terms, theories, concepts and applications. Students must score at the 80th percentile or above to successfully complete the test. Students who achieve the 80th percentile or above will be allowed to move to Step 2.

Step 2:
Preparation and presentation of an extemporaneous informative or persuasive speech. Students will receive a speech topic one day in advance of the presentation. Students will have one day to research, prepare, and rehearse a speech. Students will present the speech at a time and place determined by the secretary of the Department. The presented speech will be evaluated utilizing "The Competent Speaker" speech evaluation form, a nationally normed public speaking evaluation form developed by the National Communication Association. Evaluations will be completed by no fewer than two Speech Communication Department instructors, both of whom will have received training in the use of "The Competent Speaker" form. The speech must be between 6-10 minutes in length; evidence from a minimum of three different sources must be appropriately orally cited within the text of the speech.Students must score a minimum of 19 on a 24 pt. scale, and may have no more than one competency area rated unsatisfactory.

Approved: 1/2002
Revised: 9/2003