SPEECH CHOIR

Mrs.Marilyn Hifarva -Pacong

MVTS
 Speech choir or
Short background: choral speaking has
a hallowed and
proud tradition.

The first plays put on by Greeks

featuring choruses of speakers.
 What is a Speech Choir?
Today, speech choir is a popular teaching tool,
as well as a performing art in itself.

Speech choir
operates like a
music choir Instead of
minus the singing, speech
music. choirs perform
spoken-word It is a powerful
pieces. art that is
experiencing a
revival.
2 Types
of Speech Choir
A. Conventional Speech Choir
- also called “traditional”.
Has no use of costumes, nor props, nor
choreography the choir simply speaks or reads a
literary piece.
B. Theatrical Speech Choir
- also called “dynamic”.
The reverse of the conventional speech choir.
Elements
of a

Speech Choir
 Elements
of a

Members Speech Choir

A speech choir is
typically the same size The group is
as a singing choir typically are divided
having anywhere into groups based
on the members’
from 12-100 members
natural voices or
or more. speaking voices.

More schools and competitions feature choirs

of 25 to 40 members.
 Elements
of a

Pieces Speech Choir

The conductor gives
Selections are typically some thought to the
poems or poetic passage, breaking into
parts.
passage such as from Facial expressions and
Greek dramas or intonation are also
carefully planned so all
Shakespeare's plays. the members can
practice in unison. Solo
parts for specific
members can add
dramatic effect.
 Choreography Elements
of a

Speech Choir
Choreography of movement is In the Greek tradition,
speech choirs
not necessary component for marched from side to
speech choir. Many successful side in alternating
competition choirs recite their patterns called
pieces while standing in place “strophe” and
“aristrophe”. The
with their hands at their sides, sequence of steps and
attention directed solely at the movements in dance.
conductor.

Thus, movement is a part of the rich history of speech choir and some conductors
choose to choreograph elaborate movement to accompany their pieces.

Costuming
As with any other performance
art, thought should be put into
how the speech choir will dress.
Costumes can be as simple as
matching outfits or robes, such
as a vocal choir would wear, or
elaborate theatrical garb.
Elements
of a
Speech Choir
Plain uniforms allow the
audience to concentrate
on facial expressions and
allow the choir to recite
several very different
pieces in one
performance.
 *Themed costume for a
single piece can highlight
its meaning or help to
differentiate between
voice groups.
 Elements
of a

Voice quality Speech Choir

The ability to combine
successfully the light,
medium, and dark voices in
the choir. The ability to
communicate, through
voice, reactions to thoughts
or emotions.
Number of Voices Elements
of a

Speech Choir
The ability to add or subtract
whole sections, banks,
smaller groups, or solo
speakers to increase or
diminish the power or
richness of the sound to
better express the meaning.
 Elements
of a

Pitch Speech Choir

- It refers to the variations of
the voice on the musical
scale is generally referred to
as infection.
Children generally
have little problem
with pitch because
they use it naturally
and freely.
 Elements
of a

Power Speech Choir

Ability to use volume, force A power build
or loudness as emphasis in should be related
appropriate places to better to the elements
of a sentence
express feeling and and growing
meaning. emotion.
 Elements
of a

Tempo Speech Choir

It refers to the rate of speed Tempo should
at which a reading relate to the
progresses. central “beat” of
the poem.

The ability to balance the If it is too fast or

rhythm of a piece and the too slow.
tempo of performance.
 Elements
of a

Staging Speech Choir

The ability to successfully
organized and position the
choir on stage or risers for
performance effect.
The ability to stage
entrances and exits which
enhance the mood of the
poem and performance.
The ability to stage entrances and exits which enhance the mood of the
poem and performance.
 THINGS TO
REMEMBER
IN DOING
SPEECH CHOIR
 THINGS TO REMEMBER IN DOING

SPEECH CHOIR
Articulation Connection
BREATHING The Text
and Diction to the Group
Breathing
Noting where it Breathing in
makes sense to take performance links
breath, so you don't you with your whole
interrupt the word group, calms your
flow but have enough nerves, and gives
breath to make it your performance
through the line.
life.
Articulation and Diction
By practicing your articulation and diction,
your words will be clear and vibrant.

Diction is a learned skill

Articulate strongly in rehearsal and in

your everyday life.
Connection to the Group
Onstage, the choir If anything
is your family. Listen unexpected
to those around you. happens, the group
must respond and
Connecting with
correct together.
them will eliminate
any stage fright.
The Text
The text is your guide, it’s what the
audience came to see and hear you
perform.

"Let your audience “see’ what you are

saying."
"Let your personal reaction to the words sprinkle
meaning on the performance."
Thank you