Speech choir, a revival of ancient Greek traditions, features groups performing spoken-word pieces without music. There are two main types of speech choirs: conventional, which focuses on reading literary works, and theatrical, which incorporates dynamic elements such as voice variations and staging. Key components include voice quality, articulation, diction, and connection among members to enhance performance.

1. SPEECH CHOIRMrs.Marilyn Hifarva -Pacong
MVTS

2. The first plays put on by Greeks
featuring choruses of speakers.
Short background:
Speech choir or
choral speaking has
a hallowed and
proud tradition.

3. 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
minus the
music.
Instead of
singing, speech
choirs perform
spoken-word
pieces.
It is a powerful
art that is
experiencing a
revival.

4. 2Types
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.

5. Elements
of a
Speech Choir

6. Elements
of a
Speech ChoiMembers
A speech choir is
typically the same size
as a singing choir
having anywhere
from 12-100 members
or more.
More schools and competitions feature choirs
of 25 to 40 members.
The group is
typically are divided
into groups based
on the members’
natural voices or
speaking voices.

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

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

9. Elements
of a
Speech ChoiCostuming
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.
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.

10. Elements
of a
Speech ChoiVoice quality
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.

11. Elements
of a
Speech ChoiNumber of Voices
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.

12. Elements
of a
Speech ChoiPitch
- 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.

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

14. Elements
of a
Speech ChoiTempo
It refers to the rate of speed
at which a reading
progresses.
The ability to balance the
rhythm of a piece and the
tempo of performance.
Tempo should
relate to the
central “beat” of
the poem.
If it is too fast or
too slow.

15. Elements
of a
Speech ChoiStaging
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.

16. THINGSTO
REMEMBER
IN DOING
SPEECH CHOIR

17. THINGSTO REMEMBER IN DOING
SPEECH CHOIR
TheText
Connection
to the Group
Articulation
and Diction
BREATHING

18. Breathing
Noting where it
makes sense to take
breath, so you don't
interrupt the word
flow but have enough
breath to make it
through the line.
Breathing in
performance links
you with your whole
group, calms your
nerves, and gives
your performance
life.

19. Articulation and Diction
Diction is a learned skill
Articulate strongly in rehearsal and in
your everyday life.
By practicing your articulation and diction,
your words will be clear and vibrant.

20. Connection to the Group
If anything
unexpected
happens, the group
must respond and
correct together.
Onstage, the choir
is your family. Listen
to those around you.
Connecting with
them will eliminate
any stage fright.

21. TheText
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."

22. Thank you