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  • DTP Success Team

DSST Principles of Public Speaking Exam Outline

Updated: Mar 16



Do you need to pass the DSST Principles of Public Speaking Exam?


If so, you'll want to ensure you know the exam's format, content, and speech preparation.


While some content areas may be more accessible, ensuring you are familiar with all the material that will be covered is essential.


The following is an overview of the content areas covered on the examination and the approximate percentage of the test devoted to each.


Table of Contents

  1. Public Speaking Fundamentals: Ethical, Social, and Theoretical Considerations

  2. Audience Analysis, Adaptation, and Impact

  3. Speech Topics and Purposes

  4. Structure and Organization

  5. Delivery

  6. Content

  7. Research and References

  8. Verbal Language and Method

  9. Speech Delivery

  10. Conclusion

  11. Student Resources

  12. References


1. Public Speaking Fundamentals: Ethical, Social, and Theoretical Considerations


Public Speaking Fundamentals: Ethical, Social, and Theoretical Considerations 9%-12%
Public Speaking Fundamentals: Ethical, Social, and Theoretical Considerations (9% - 12%)

  • This exam section will cover free speech, listening, cultural variation in communication, and gender and communication.



DSST Principles of Public Speaking Trivia Question #180



2. Audience Analysis, Adaptation, and Impact


Audience Analysis, Adaptation, and Impact 15% to 18%
Audience Analysis, Adaptation, and Impact (15% - 18%)

  • This exam section will focus on your ability to analyze your audience and adapt your message accordingly.


  • You will also be tested on your knowledge of how to effectively use nonverbal communication and manage anxiety before giving a speech.


  • Analyzing the audience before, during, and after the speech to better understand their needs and how they respond to the speech.


3. Speech Topics and Purposes


Speech Topics and Purposes 9%-12%
Speech Topics and Purposes (9% - 12%)

  • This exam section will test your ability to develop appropriate topics for various purposes and your knowledge of narrowing down a topic.


  • Creating a list of potential speech topics for various goals is essential to public speaking.


  • Choosing an appropriate topic based on the speech's occasion, audience, and purpose.


4. Structure and Organization


Structure and Organization 17%-20%
Structure and Organization (17% - 20%)

  • Examples of techniques include introducing and structuring introductions, bodies, and conclusions.


  • Research, Evidence, and Visual Aids.


  • Citing sources, using primary and secondary sources, evaluating evidence, developing visual aids, and ethical considerations in research are all topics covered in this exam section.


5. Delivery


Delivery 18%-21%
Delivery (18% - 21%)

  • This exam section will test your ability to deliver a speech effectively.


  • Vocal variety.


  • Body language and other delivery techniques.


  • Review and Assessment.



DSST Principles of Public Speaking Trivia Question #388



6. Content


Content (17% -20%)

  • Recognizing and utilizing argument, reasoning, and evidence are examples.


  • The ability to use persuasive techniques will also be tested.


7. Research and References


Research and References 11%-15%
Research and References (11% - 15%)

  • References


  • Materials


  • Sources in speech preparation


8. Verbal Language and Method


Verbal Language and Method 9%-12%
Verbal Language and Method (9% - 12%)

  • Use language that would be acceptable in a public address.


  • The ability to use proper grammar, punctuation, and mechanics is essential.


9. Speech Delivery


Speech Delivery 10-13%
Speech Delivery (10% - 13%)

  • Articulation


  • Voice


  • Pronunciation


  • Body Language


  • Media


10. Conclusion


In conclusion, these are the main content areas covered in the DSST Principles of Public Speaking Exam.


It would help if you used this article only as a general outline.


Enroll in our Public Speaking course to help you study for the exam and brush up on the material most likely covered in your exam.


Best of luck!


11. Student Resources


12. References


DSST Principles of Public Speaking Fact Sheet

DSST Principles of Public Speaking Fact Sheet
.pdf
Download PDF • 486KB

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