Reasons Why Competent Speakers Don't Pass the Competency Exam

The COMM Department provides a single overview and preparation session for all students signed-up for the Speech Competency Exam. This is NOT a Public Speaking class; it is designed to assist those students who have had prior speech training or experience and who wish to maximize their opportunity to pass the speech competency exam.  

Just “showing up” minimizes the chances of passing the exam. The best chance of success is to download the criteria and follow the instructions on the Communication Department website. Most people fail because they don’t “fully” cite reputable sources in their speech (no vague or inadequate references to websites), they go under or over the time limit, they “read” their speech, or they limit eye contact. A clear thesis statement, target audience, and organizational pattern are also important. You must submit an outline in proper outline format and annotate your bibliography. There is a review session the Wednesday before the Speech Competency Exam where you can ask questions and make any last-minute changes before presenting.

Here are some common mistakes students make when preparing for the Speech Competency Exam:

Reasons Why Competent Speakers Dont Pass the Competency Exam (Downloadable PDF file)

See Exam Instructions, Oral Communication Criteria, and Tips for Success  for all exam requirements. Here is the  Evaluation Form judges use to evaluate the Oral Competency Exam. Additional resources available at The Speech Center.