Student Handout
Speech Waiver, Spring 2016
Introduction to Human Communication - Comm110
Rev. 10/15
The “Speech Waiver” process determines which students do not need to take the required Comm 110
(Introduction to Human Communication) course.
Remember, if you are waived from the course, it will appear on your transcript, BUT the 3 credits the
class is worth do NOT count toward the 120 credits needed for graduation. (In other words, you are not
“given” 3 credits)
The speech waiver is done in 2 stages:
Stage 1:
1. Take the written exam
a. contact the Testing Office for an appointment (472-5613, Roseman Hall Rm. 2003)
b. A copy of the current Communication textbook is on reserve in Anderson Library to
help you study, if you wish to look through it (under the heading of “Speech
Waiver”)
c. fee for the exam is $25, cash, check, or money order, payable to UW-Whitewater
(no credit cards)
d. You must bring a picture ID with you
e. take the written exam in the Testing Office
i. you must take the exam one of the following two sessions this semester:
Session 1: Week of Feb. 14th
Session 2: Week of Mar. 13
2. You will be contacted by Tammy French via email as soon as the last person is done taking
the test for that session, and they have been scored.
3. If you PASSED (score of 75 or higher) - go to Stage 2
4. If you did NOT pass---you must enroll in the Human Communication 110 class
5. Please note that you may only attempt the speech waiver ONCE.
Stage 2:
1. Perform a persuasive speech
a. see handout on the speech requirements (back of sheet)
b. Tammy French will contact you with instructions and to schedule your speech
c. Once you deliver your speech, you will be notified at that time whether or not your
speech was successful or not.
i. if you WERE SUCCESSFUL in meeting the requirements of the persuasive
speech, you will not have to take the Human Communication 110 class
ii. if you WERE UNSUCCESSFUL in meeting the requirements of the
persuasive speech, you must enroll in the Human Communication 110 class
If you have any questions or concerns about any element of this waiver process, please contact
TAMMY FRENCH, Basic Course Coordinator
frencht@uww.edu, 472-1720, HE 448
Please see next page for the speech requirements
Speech Waiver – Persuasive Speech Requirements
Once you have passed the written portion of the speech waiver, you will be asked to present a formal
speech for evaluation.
The main goal of a persuasive speech is to convince your audience to accept your perspective. You
need to present a well-articulated, well-developed, logical argument supported by strong emotional
overtones that will capture the audience’s attention and sway them over to your side. A persuasive
speech is a carefully constructed argument, based on multiple forms of strong support materials
(statistics, quotes from experts, examples, definitions, descriptions, etc.) Your arguments must be
well-supported and cannot be based on opinions or flawed logic.
You may choose any topic you wish for this presentation, but consider:
- What issues are you concerned about/care about/ are passionate about – what would you like to
see happen/change in this world/state/campus etc.?
- What are the concerns/interests of your audience, and how does your topic affect them?
- Am I avoiding topics which tend to be overused? (EX - drunk driving, abortion, smoking, death
penalty, etc.)
- Technology will not be available in the room you will present in, so if you choose to use a visual
aid, it must be of the “low tech” variety.
Requirements:
- 7 – 9 minutes long (you will be cut off after 10 min.)
- Follows a clear pattern of organization (problem/solution, cause/effect, etc.)
- Presents a well-structured, well-supported argument. You will be expected to have a clearly
articulated thesis statement, main points, and transitions throughout. Speakers are strongly
urged to consult the textbook on reserve at library (under the heading “SPEECH WAIVER”),
particularly chapters 16 & 17.
- Includes a minimum of 5 outside sources:
o Only 2 of these can be from the web
o None may be from Wikipedia, or an encyclopedia, or a dictionary
o A minimum of 3 different types of sources (popular press, academic or trade journals,
web pages, government documents, newspapers, etc.)
o Sources must be cited aloud during presentation
o Please come with a hard paper copy of a reference page.
- Must be presented extemporaneously (performed from an outline on either 3 x 5 cards or full
sheets of paper, but NOT from memory or a manuscript). You will be asked to turn these in
after your presentation.
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Failing to meet these requirements will almost surely result in a failure to pass this stage of
the waiver process, and therefore will necessitate your enrollment in the Introduction to
Human Communication 110 class.