SPEECH CHOIR

• What is a speech choir?

  Speech choirs are performance groups that recite speeches in unison.
• What is another term for speech choir?

  It is also called choral speaking.
• How does a speech choir operate compared to a musical choir?

  A speech choir operates like a musical choir but performs spoken-word pieces instead of singing.
• What are the two types of speech choirs mentioned?

  • Traditional Speech Choir
  • Dynamic Speech Choir
• What characterizes a traditional speech choir?

  A traditional speech choir does not require costumes, props, or choreography.
• How does a dynamic speech choir differ from a traditional speech choir?

  A dynamic speech choir incorporates elements like costumes and choreography.
• What is the typical size range for a speech choir?

  A speech choir typically has 12 to 100 members, with most schools featuring 25 to 40 members.
• How are members of a speech choir typically organized?

  Members are divided into groups based on their natural or speaking voices.
• What types of pieces are typically selected for speech choirs?

  Selections are typically poems or poetic passages, such as from Greek dramas or Shakespeare’s plays.
• What role does the conductor play in a speech choir?

  The conductor breaks the passage into parts and plans facial expressions and intonations.
• Is choreography necessary for a speech choir?

  Choreography is not a necessary component, but it can enhance the interpretation of the piece.
• What should be considered regarding costumes in a speech choir?

  Costumes can range from simple matching outfits to elaborate theatrical garb.
• What is meant by voice quality in a speech choir?

  Voice quality refers to the ability to combine light, medium, and dark voices effectively.
• What does the number of voices refer to in a speech choir?

  It refers to the ability to add or subtract sections or solo speakers to enhance sound richness.
• What is pitch in the context of a speech choir?

  Pitch refers to the variations of the voice on the musical scale, indicating highness or lowness of sound.
• What does power/projection mean in a speech choir?

  Power/projection refers to the ability to use volume and force to emphasize feelings and meaning.
• What is tempo in a speech choir performance?

  Tempo refers to the rate of speed at which a reading progresses and the balance of rhythm.
• What is juncture in speech?

  Juncture features enable the listener to detect identical sequences of sounds.
• What does stress refer to in speech?

  Stress refers to the emphasis given to a syllable.
• What is intonation in speech?

  Intonation refers to the melodic pattern of utterance.
• What does staging involve in a speech choir performance?

  Staging involves organizing the choir on stage for performance effect and enhancing the mood of the poem.
• What are some key things to remember for speech choir performance?

  • Breathing: Know where to take breaths.
  • Articulation and Diction: Practice for clarity.
  • Connection to the Group: Listen and connect with fellow members.
  • The Text: Use the text as a guide for performance.
• ORATOR - a person skilled at public speaking
• SPEAKER - one who speaks, especially as an actor on stage or as a public speaker
• Narrative speech choir performances involve storytelling through a combination of spoken word and movement.
• Choral speaking involves a group of speakers reciting a poem or text together with synchronized movements.
• Dramatic speech choir performances incorporate elements from theater productions such as dialogue, character development, and dramatic tension.