General Assessment for Speeches

The following criteria will be used to assess student performance when presenting his or her speeches, unless instructed otherwise.  There will be occasions when special instructions will supersede a given criteria.  The descriptors below represent the exemplar.

GRADING: 6=Exemplary  5=Good  4=Adequate  3=Barely Acceptable  2=Unacceptable  1=Lacking

MEANING

Clarity of Meaning and Purpose:  All the material in the speech clearly makes

          sense and the purpose is clearly understood.

Appropriateness of Topic and Subject Matter for Audience and Environment: 

The appropriateness of the topic and subject matter is fitting for the audience (which is understood to be the class and teacher unless otherwise indicated) and takes into account the fact that this is a high school class.

Interest and Relevance:  The material in the speech engages the audience’s interest

          and is clearly relevant to its experience.

Insight:  The material in the speech clearly demonstrates significant insight on the

          part of the speaker.

Completeness and Accuracy:  The audience has a sense that there is no more that

          needs to be said on the topic, plus all material is judged to be accurate.

Creativity:  The speaker has selected creative material to be included in the speech.

ORGANIZATION

Logical Format:  In most cases, the speech is organized to first CAPTURE the audience, followed by MOTIVATIONAL MATERIAL.  The ASSERTION is made next before the speaker PREVIEWS his or her points and/or strategies.  The speaker then makes his or her POINTS or provided SUPPORTING MATERIAL.  Finally there will be a CONCLUSION or CALL TO ACTION.

Engagement and Motivation:  Every effort has been made to engage the interest of

          the audience and to motivate their active listening.

Effective Support:  The speech material includes significant, effective and

          interesting support material.

Effective Transitions:  There are clear and effective transition to signal to the

          audience shifts in material.

Effective Conclusion:  The speaker provides a memorable ending that is

          appropriate for the speech’s purpose.

Creativity:  The speech is organized in a creative manner.

PREPAREDNESS

Note cards, Scripted or Memorized:  The speaker has clearly adhered to the

instructions for the given speech either to use note cards, to read a fully scripted speech or to memorize the speech.

Evidence of Practice:  It is very evident that the speaker has practice the speech

          more than enough to deliver it in an engaging manner.

VOCAL DELIVERY

Articulation and Pronunciation:  The speaker pronounces every word distinctly

          and accurately.

Pace, Pace Variety, Fluidity and Breath Control:  The speaker’s speaking rate is

always appropriate for the audience and the material, varied when necessary, with flowing, smooth delivery (unless the material requires otherwise) and with appropriately placed breathing.

Volume and Variety of Volume:  The speaker speaks loud enough that all audience

members can hear without excessive effort but appropriately varies the volume for variety and effect.

Tone, Pleasantness, Emphasis and Pitch Variety:  The speaker uses a tone that is

fitting for the speech material throughout the speech, being pleasant (unless the material requires otherwise), placing emphases in the appropriate place, and varying pitch for variety and effect.

LANGUAGE

Appropriate Vocabulary for Audience:  The speaker always uses language

          (vocabulary) that is appropriate in difficulty for the audience.

Appropriate Vocabulary for Clarity:  The speaker always uses terminology that

the audience understand and/or explains any terminology that may confuse the audience.

Adherence to Standard Conventions of Spoken English:  The speaker uses

          standard accepted grammar and usage.

BODY LANGUAGE

Eye Contact:  The speaker gives various members of the audience eye contact,

          varying the direction as much as possible.

Posture and Poise:  The speaker stands erect, but not overly so, always positioning

          his or her body so he or she appears to be at ease and poised.

Gestures, Mannerisms and Movement:  The speaker always uses body movements,

including gestures and mannerisms, that are appropriate for the material of the speech.

Appropriateness of Dress:  The speaker dresses to fit the circumstances regarding

          the speech occasion.

ADHERENCE TO TIME LIMITS

The speaker finishes his or her speech within the specified time limitations.