Speaking Rubric Criteria

Organization of Presentation

• Definite introduction, body and conclusion. The speaker introduced the topic at the beginning of the speech, giving listeners an overview of what would be covered. The speaker gave details pertaining to the topic, and then summarized main points.
• Used transitional statements. The speaker gave verbal clues to the audience that s/he was switching to a new section of her speech. Examples of this include, “The next point I would like to make is …” or “Another example of how recycling helps the environment is ….”
• Stayed on topic. The speaker did not stray too far from the chosen topic.
• Ideas were easy to follow. The audience could understand the organization of the speech and follow the speaker’s train of thought.

Use of Body

• Good posture: stood up straight on both feet with shoulders back; did not lean on table or podium.
• Used gestures appropriately: body motions and facial expressions enhanced presentation as opposed to distracting from it
• Maintained eye contact: speaker faced audience, occasionally glancing at notes rather than reading them; speaker looked up and scanned room, making eye contact with entire audience.
• Seemed physically comfortable: speaker smiled, appeared relaxed, and did not demonstrate nervous habits (tight shoulders, wringing hands, etc).
• Dressed appropriately: students should follow the instructor’s guidelines for appropriate dress. In many disciplines, appropriate dress would consist of uniforms, while in others; it may be perfectly acceptable to appear in casual attire.

Use of Voice

• Projection. The speaker spoke loudly enough that audience members in the back row could hear.
• Rate. The speaker maintained an appropriate tempo when speaking. S/he should occasionally speed up and slow down to maintain the audience’s attention.
• Tone. A conversational tone is one that has variety, strength and interest. The individual audience member should feel as if the speaker is communicating directly to him/her. While the audience member may not be verbally communicating back to the speaker, he/she is expressing interest nonverbally.
• The voice should maintain an appropriate level of energy and enthusiasm.

Use of Language

• Speaker chose words appropriately. The words were easy for the audience to understand. The speaker did not talk down to an audience, nor did the speaker use language that s/he clearly did not understand.
• The speaker avoided filler words. Examples include “um,” “er,” “ya know,” “and um,” or “kinda.”
• The speaker used language to visually explain concepts. Examples would include using adjectives, images and metaphors to illustrate ideas. (It is important that an audience not only hears the speaker but also sees what the speaker is saying.)

Concepts

• Displayed clear understanding of assignment and/or course concepts: student is able to follow directions in approaching, applying and communicating the topic she has stated she will explain; student can write clearly about abstract concepts making them simple to understand
• Effective Use of Visual Aids: visual aids may not always be necessary, but when they are used, the speaker should use them in a way that supports the message, rather than distracting from it.