Praxis Speech & Theatre study plan

Map the Speech domain's subareas (public speaking, interpersonal, group, argumentation, oral interpretation) and rate confidence 1-5 on each

Define and self-quiz the core rhetorical canon terms (invention, arrangement, style, delivery, memory) from memory

List the main speech-organization patterns (chronological, spatial, cause-effect, problem-solution, Monroe's motivated sequence) and match each to a sample purpose

Draft a one-page terminology glossary for the Speech domain in your own words

Differentiate the three Aristotelian appeals and identify them in six short sample passages you write yourself

Explain the difference between reasoning by example, analogy, causation, and authority, with one original example each

Identify common logical fallacies (ad hominem, straw man, false dilemma, slippery slope, hasty generalization) in ten self-written examples

Outline a 5-minute persuasive speech using Monroe's motivated sequence

Compare the major theories of interpersonal communication (social penetration, relational dialectics, uncertainty reduction, expectancy violations) in a comparison table

Distinguish group roles, group norms, and group decision-making methods (consensus, majority, minority, brainstorming)

Describe audience-analysis factors (demographics, attitudes, occasion) and how each changes message adaptation

Practice writing thesis statements and specific purpose statements for five different speaking occasions

Complete a 40-question timed mixed Speech practice set and log error patterns by subarea

Review every missed Speech item and write the underlying rule or concept it tested

Begin Theatre domain by mapping its subareas (acting, directing, stagecraft, dramatic literature, theatre history) with 1-5 confidence ratings

Create a Theatre terminology glossary of at least 30 terms in your own words

Define the core acting concepts (objective, obstacle, given circumstances, beat, subtext) and apply them to a monologue you outline

Describe the major acting approaches (Stanislavski-based, physical/outside-in, improvisation) and contrast their emphases

Identify stage directions, stage areas, and body positions and label a hand-drawn ground plan

Explain the roles of director, stage manager, and designers in the production process

Identify the physical components of a theatre space (proscenium, thrust, arena, black box) and their staging implications

Explain lighting, sound, costume, and set design functions and the vocabulary for each

Sequence the production timeline from audition through opening night

Describe safety and technical responsibilities associated with scenery, rigging, and lighting

Summarize the major periods of theatre history (Greek, Roman, medieval, Renaissance, Restoration, modern) with one defining feature each

Identify the conventions of major dramatic genres (tragedy, comedy, farce, melodrama, musical theatre)

Define dramatic structure terms (exposition, inciting incident, climax, denouement, dramatic irony) and apply them to a play you outline

Recognize key playwrights and their periods from a self-made matching set

Take two full-length timed practice tests (one per domain) and record scaled-style scores

Review all missed items across both domains and re-teach each concept in writing

Re-rate confidence on every subarea and identify the three weakest for final targeted review

Drill the weakest three subareas with self-made flashcards until each is answered correctly twice in a row