Aspect

Excellent

(A)

Good

(B)

Satisfactory

(C)

Needs Improvement (D)

Score

Introduction

(1) Gains the attention of the Audience,

(2) Clearly identifies the topic,

(3) Establishes credibility,

(4) Previews the rest of the speech

Meets any three of the four criteria

Meets any two of the four criteria

Meets only one of the four criteria

Preparation

Completely prepared, has obviously rehearsed the speech

Prepared, but could use additional rehearsals

Somewhat prepared, but it seems that the speech was not rehearsed

Unprepared

Enthusiasm

Facial expression and body language convey strong enthusiasm and interest

Facial expression and body language sometimes convey strong enthusiasm and interest

Facial expression and body language seem contrived

Apparent disinterest in the topic

Eye Contact

Eye contact with audience virtually all the time (except for brief glances at notes)

Eye contact with audience less than 75% of the time

Eye contact with audience less than 50% of the time

Little or no eye contact

Use of Language

Use of language contributes to effectiveness of the speech, and vocalized pauses

(um uh er etc.)

not distracting

Use of language does not have negative impact, and vocalized pauses

(um uh er etc.)

not distracting

Use of language causes potential confusion, and/or vocalized pauses

(um uh er etc.)

are distracting

Use of language is inappropriate

Confidence

Speaks neither too quickly nor too slowly

Speaks either slightly too quickly or too slowly

Speaks either too quickly or too slowly

Tempo of speech is inappropriate

Clarity

Speaks clearly and distinctly all the time, no mispronounced words

Speaks clearly and distinctly nearly all the time, no more than one mispronounced word

Speaks clearly and distinctly most of the time, no more than one mispronounced word

Often mumbles or can not be understood, more than one mispronounced word

Topic

Well focused, creative and appropriate

Appropriate and reasonably focused

Topic is appropriate but lacks some focus or strays a bit

Inappropriate topic

Visual Aids

Visual aids well chosen and presented

Minor problems with visual aids

Significant problems with visual aids

No visual aids

Conclusion

(1) Cues the audience that the end of the speech is at hand

(2) Brings closure

(3) Memorable

Cues the audience and brings closure

Brings closure

Does not bring closure; the audience is left hanging

Time

Within allotted time

Within 10% of allotted time

Within 20% of allotted time

Not within 20% of allotted time

Questions

Able to answer all questions

Able to answer most questions

Able to answer some questions

Unable to answer most questions