Expertise that Inspires LearningDiploma holders at this level will have demonstrated competence in all performance skills
Speech NZ Theory
Recognising and refining oral communication skills through comprehensive examination offerings.
Speech New Zealand Diplomas
When it comes to enhancing your communication skills you have choices.
Advanced Associate (AASB) and Licentiate (LSB) Diploma candidates' theory papers will be examined viva voce. These examinations will be 20 minutes long for AASB and 25 minutes long for LSB. Examiners will use the grading rubric.
The AASB viva voce candidates will be assessed by performance examiners either in-person as part of a centre tour or via video conferencing. The LSB viva voce candidates will be assessed by specialist theory examiners via video conferencing only.
View an example Viva Voce Examination, where the candidate achieved a Pass with Merit grade and download the grading rubric.
Theory papers
Speech NZ Theory Papers
Theory requirements
All theory candidates are required to make connections between knowledge and teaching/performance (based on their major), including relevant methods/exercises/materials.
The table below outlines the Theory requirements for each Speech NZ Diploma. These must be completed along with any practical modules required.
Advanced ASB | LSB | FSB (Fellowship) | |
|---|---|---|---|
3 theory papers required | 4 theory papers required | 2 modules required | |
SPEECH AND DRAMA | |||
Performance | Paper 1 – Voice and speech Paper 5 – The use of conventions, elements, techniques and features in performance Paper 3 – Shakespearean drama OR Paper 4 – New Zealand and Pasifika writing | Paper 1 – Voice and speech in performance Paper 2 – History of theatre Paper 3 – Techniques of interpretation in drama, prose and poetry Paper 4 – Acting in different genres | 1 Theory Module – Either written submission or recorded lecture plus Q&A 1 Practical Module – Extended performance |
SPEECH AND DRAMA | |||
Teaching | Paper 1 – Voice and speech Paper 2 – Teaching materials or methods Paper 3 – Shakespearean drama OR Paper 4 – New Zealand and Pasifika writing | Paper 1 – Teaching voice and speech Paper 2 – History of theatre Paper 3 – Techniques of teaching interpretation in drama, poetry and prose Paper 4 – Teaching practice and the ethical responsibilities of the teacher to pupils and the profession | 1 Theory Module – Either written submission or recorded lecture plus Q&A 1 Practical Module – Masterclass |
PUBLIC SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATION | |||
Performance | Paper 1 – Voice and speaking in public speaking Paper 2 – Preparation and structure of speeches Paper 3 – Communication barriers and non-verbal influences | Paper 1 – Voice and speech Paper 2 – History of rhetoric Paper 3 – Leadership Paper 4 – Ethics in public speaking | 1 Theory Module – Either written submission or recorded lecture plus Q&A 1 Practical Module – Discussion group |
PUBLIC SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATION | |||
Teaching | Teaching Paper 1 – Voice and speaking in public speaking Paper 2 – Preparation and structure of speeches Paper 5 - Teaching material and methods | Paper 1 – Teaching of voice and speech Paper 2 – History of rhetoric Paper 3 – Leadership Paper 4 – Teaching practice and ethical responsibilities of the teacher to students and the profession | 1 Theory Module – Either written submission or recorded lecture plus Q&A 1 Practical Module - Masterclass |
Cross-crediting Application
Candidates may apply to cross-credit practical modules and theory papers against external qualifications or study (above NZQA level 3) or relevant experience. Please see below AASB Pathways for papers that may be automatically cross-credited against internal qualifications.
AASB Pathways
Speech and Drama Performance v Teaching majors – ASB or AASB?
If you want to major in Performance, whether it be in Speech and Drama or Public Speaking and Communication, you can choose either ASB or AASB. An ASB is awarded after passing 3 practical modules. An AASB is awarded after passing 3 practical modules and 3 theory papers. You might choose to get your ASB first, then upgrade to the AASB by adding on the Theory papers, or you might choose to get straight into the Theory papers immediately and go right to the AASB.
If you want to major in Teaching, in either Speech and Drama or Public Speaking, you need to go straight to an AASB, which has 3 practical modules and 3 theory papers. There is no ASB majoring in Teaching.
Pathways to a combined AASB
There are 5 different pathways for you to gain an AASB in either 2 syllabuses, 2 majors, or 2 syllabuses and 2 majors
AASB in Public Speaking, majoring in both Teaching and Performance
AASB in Speech and Drama, majoring in both Teaching and Performance
AASB in both Public Speaking and Speech and Drama, majoring in Teaching
AASB in both Public Speaking and Speech and Drama, majoring in Performance
AASB in both Public Speaking and Speech and Drama, majoring in both Teaching and Performance
Take a look at the chart using the link below to track the ways in which to achieve this, see descriptions listed below.
AASB in both Teaching & Performance (Speech and Drama or Public Speaking)
You can achieve your AASB in Teaching and Performance within one of the syllabi (Speech and Drama or Public Speaking) at the same time by completing 4 practical modules and 4 theory papers.
To get your AASB in Public Speaking majoring in BOTH Teaching and Performance you would need:
PRACTICAL MODULES (4 required)
Module 1 – ‘Performance and Teaching’ (this Module is the same for both majors)
Module 2 – Performance
Module 2 – Teaching
Module 3 – Performance and Teaching (this Module is the same for both majors)
THEORY PAPERS (4 required)
Public Speaking Paper 1 (‘Voice and Speech’) – Performance and Teaching (cross creditable)
Public Speaking Paper 3 – Performance
Public Speaking Paper 5 - Teaching
PICK from the following:
Public Speaking Paper 2 - Performance
Public Speaking Paper 2 - Teaching
To get your AASB in Speech and Drama majoring in BOTH Teaching and Performance, you would need:
PRACTICAL MODULES (4 required)
PICK from the following:
Module 1 – Performance
Module 1 - Teaching
Module 2 – Performance
Module 2 – Teaching
PICK from the following:
Module 3 – Performance
Module 3 - Teaching
THEORY PAPERS (4 required)
Speech and Drama Paper 1 (‘Voice and Speech’) – Performance and Teaching (cross creditable)
Speech and Drama Paper 2 – Teaching
Speech and Drama Paper 5 - Performance
PICK ONE from the following:
Speech and Drama Paper 3 – Performance
Speech and Drama Paper 3 – Teaching
Speech and Drama Paper 4 – Performance
Speech and Drama Paper 4 – Teaching
AASB in both Speech and Drama and Public Speaking (majoring in either Teaching or Performance)
You can achieve your AASB in Speech and Drama and Public Speaking (majoring in either Teaching or Performance), at the same time by completing 5 practical modules and 4 theory papers.
To get your AASB in Speech and Drama AND Public Speaking majoring in Teaching, you would need:
PRACTICAL MODULES (5 required)
Module 1 – ‘Teaching and Performance’ (Speech and Drama)
Module 1 – ‘Teaching and Performance’ (Public Speaking)
Module 3 – (Speech and Drama)
Module 3 – (Public Speaking)
PICK from the following
Module 2 – ‘Teaching’ (Speech and Drama)
Module 2 – ‘Teaching’ (Public Speaking)
THEORY PAPERS (4 required)
‘Voice and Speech’ – Paper 1 (cross creditable after fee paid)
PICK from the following:
Speech and Drama Paper 2 - ‘Teaching Materials’
Public Speaking Paper 5 – ‘Teaching Materials’
‘Preparation & structure of speeches’ – Paper 2 (Public Speaking)
PICK from the following:
Paper 3 (Speech and Drama)
Paper 4 (Speech and Drama)
To get your AASB in Speech and Drama AND Public Speaking majoring in Performance, you would need:
PRACTICAL MODULES (5 required)
Module 1 – ‘Teaching and Performance’ (Speech and Drama)
Module 1 – ‘Teaching and Performance’ (Public Speaking)
Module 2 - (Speech and Drama)
Module 2 - (Public Speaking)
PICK from the following:
Module 3 – (Speech and Drama)
Module 3 – (Public Speaking)
THEORY PAPERS (4 required)
‘Voice and Speech’ – Paper 1 (S&D/PS) (cross creditable)
Paper 5 (Speech and Drama)
Paper 3 (Public Speaking)
PICK ONE from the following:
Paper 2 (Public Speaking)
Paper 3 (Speech and Drama)
Paper 4 (Speech and Drama)
AASB in both Public Speaking AND Speech and Drama, majoring in BOTH Teaching and Performance
If you have an AASB in Speech and Drama and Public Speaking majoring in Teaching, and want to upgrade to add the Performance major, you need to do:
PRACTICAL MODULES (1 additional Module required) PICK ONE from the following:
Module 2 – Performance (Speech and Drama)
Module 2 – Performance (Public Speaking)
THEORY PAPERS (2 additional paper required)
Paper 5 (Speech and Drama)
Paper 3 (Public Speaking)
If you have an AASB in Speech and Drama and Public Speaking majoring in Performance, and want to upgrade to add the Teaching major, you need to do:
PRACTICAL MODULES (1 additional Module required) PICK ONE from the following:
Module 2 – ‘Teaching’ (Speech and Drama)
Module 2 – ‘Teaching’ (Public Speaking)
THEORY PAPERS (2 additional paper required)
Paper 2 (Speech and Drama
Paper 5 (Public Speaking)
Our Declaration of Excellence
Speech New Zealand Declaration of Excellence
Speech New Zealand’s highest academic achievements are recognised by Fellowship, Licentiate and Associate Diplomas.
Those who achieve a Diploma will, after several years of advanced study, have demonstrated excellence in communication. They will:
Understand and apply the principles of good oral communication
Give structured and dynamic presentations
Think and speak on their feet
Facilitate and participate in discussion
Present a professional image while adapting to suit the formality of the occasion
Formulate and express ideas clearly and logically
Evaluate situations and problem-solve creatively
Listen and respond to others and build understanding
Manage voice and speech to a high standard
Participate effectively in informal speaking and conversations
They will also have demonstrated mastery of the specialist skills of their specific diplomas.
Candidates who have completed only one or two modules of an Advanced Certificate at the end of 2013
Completion of the required modules in 2014 or beyond will automatically earn them an Associate Diploma – ASB.
Candidates who have completed an Advanced Certificate during 2013
Payment of a cross-crediting fee will mean their Advanced Certificate will be replaced with an Associate Diploma – ASB.
Candidates who have completed an Advanced Certificate prior to 2013
Payment of a cross-crediting fee plus the provision of a copy of their Advanced Certificate, will mean their Advanced Certificate will be replaced with an Associate Diploma – ASB.
Candidates who have partially completed an Associate Diploma in either Performance or Teaching at the end of 2012
Completion of the required modules and/or theory papers in 2014 or beyond will automatically earn them an Advanced Associate Diploma – Adv ASB.
Candidates who have completed an Associate Diploma during 2013
Payment of a cross-crediting fee will mean their Associate Diploma will be replaced with an Advanced Associate Diploma – Adv ASB.
Candidates who have completed an Associate Diploma prior to 2013
Payment of a cross-crediting fee plus the provision of a copy of their Associate Diploma, will mean their Associate Diploma will be replaced with an Advanced Associate Diploma – Adv ASB.
