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Public Speaking Test-Out Procedures

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Did you take a public speaking course or participate in forensics/debate in high school?

Students with public speaking education/experience may be eligible to test out of the general education requirement public speaking requirement.

To determine elgibility for testing out of the public speaking requirement, students must do the following things:
1. Enroll for public speaking the test-out via MavLink

2. Once a student is enrolled for test-out throught MavLink they will be invited to a Canvas course where their elgibility will be assessed.

3. Students must meet all requirements in the Canvas course to test out of the general education requirement.

The test-out process involves multiple steps. You can learn more about the eligibility requirements below:

Step I / Evidence of Public Speaking Education of Experience

A. In order to test out of the Public Speaking General Education Requirement,` must provide one of the following as evidence of public speaking education or experience.

1. A high school transcript showing successful completion with a grade of at least C- in a Public Speaking or Forensics and Debate Course.

(or)

2. A letter of petition with proof of extensive public speaking experience (e.g., a job involving regular public speaking, such as a corporate or military trainer). Documentation will be uploaded via the Canvas Course.

Step II / Written Exam

A. This written exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions based on public speaking core concepts. You will have 75 minutes and one attempt to take the written exam. 

B. Students who earn a grade of 70% or higher will be eligible to complete the final step of the test-out procedures: delivering a persuasive speech. 

Step III / Persuasive Speech

A. Your goal is to present a 5-7 minute persuasive speech that convinces a professional audience to agree with your proposition. (your side of the argument). The central idea of your speech will be a proposition of fact, value, or policy.

B. The speech will be delivered electronically at a time determined by the public speaking course coordinator. More details on this procedure will be provided to eligible students.

For more information or if you have any questions, send an email to speechplacement@unomaha.edu.