Public Speaking Rubric

Name: __________________________________ Topic:

_______________________________________________________

Always 4 Usually 3 Sometimes 2 Infrequent 1
M
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Message
Clear, expansive
enrichment of
topic. Stays on
topic and meets
the purpose
(explain, describe,
give an opinion).
Stays on the topic
all of the time.
Text is easily
understood by the
audience. It meets
the required
purpose.
Shows some
moderate
understanding and
stays on the topic
some of the time.
Difficult to tell
what the topic
was. Does not
seem to
understand the
topic very well.
Text does not
meet given
purpose and/or
inappropriate to
the audience.
Arguments &
Examples
Four or more
developed
arguments.
Explains and gives
captivating,
interesting and
relevant examples.
Uses a variety of
quotes, facts,
statistics and
evidence.
Three arguments ,
developed with
appropriate
examples. May
use examples
relevant to all
audience or
personal
examples.
Attempts to use
one or two facts
as evidence.
Two arguments
with some attempt
at examples. Does
not use statistics,
quotes or facts as
evidence.
Only one
argument with
example or several
arguments with
inferior examples.
Vocabulary
Shows excellent
use and range of
language to meet
needs of audience
and purpose. Uses
wide variety of
conjunctions and
phrases (since,
while, so that
meant). Excellent
use of detailed
and effective
Shows a good use
and range of
language to meet
the purpose. Uses
a variety of
effective
conjunctions and
phrases (after
that, before we
went, later on).
Wide use of
detailed noun
Uses some
appropriate
language to meet
purpose and
audience. Uses
simple
conjunctions, and,
then. Very
repetitive. Only a
few simple
adjectives (big,
two, bad). Sticks
Uses several (5 or
more) words or
phrases that are
not understood by
the audience.
Grammar very
poor. No
conjunctions used.
Just event
statements. No
adjectives used.
Limited
noun/verb groups groups to describe
and engage.
with very familiar
vocabulary. May
use slang.
vocabulary.
M
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Introduction

Outstanding,
creative
introduction.
Introduces the
topic clearly.
Captures the
audiences
attention.
Interesting
introduction.
Topic is clearly
introduced.
Attempts
introduction. Little
connection to
audience.
Audience may be
unsure of the
exact topic.
No introduction.
Goes straight to
arguments.
Audience does not
know what the
speech is about.
Core

Successfully
develops the ideas
or message
declared in
introduction.
Maintains
audience interest.
Skilfully structured
development.
Original
interpretation of
topic. Relates
closely to
introduction.
Makes appropriate
use of research
material.
Very short text.
Not closely related
to introduction.
Ideas not linked
coherently.
Limited research.
Little or no text to
link introduction
and conclusion.
Not interesting to
the audience.
Conclusion

Innovative and
excellent
summarising.
Memorable
conclusion
Concludes speech
effectively.
Summarises
arguments cited.
Finishes only with
a statement. Does
not summarise
arguments.
Ineffective or
missing
conclusion.
Organisation
Clear & logical
sequence with
comprehensive
notes. Four or
more events in
order with
elaborate detail.
Logical sequence
following dot
point notes. At
least three events
with some minor
detail.
Some brief notes.
At least two main
events in logical
order.
No evidence of
planning. Very
short.
Rambling and may
be off topic.
M
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Eye contact
Consistently
establishes eye
contact during the
presentation.
Establishes eye
contact most of
the time.
Establishes some
eye contact with
the audience.
Does not look at
audience during
the presentation.
Gesture
Gestures are
natural and not
distracting
Uses some
gestures. May be
overly
exaggerated
Insufficient or
unnatural hand
gestures.
No use of gestures
Stance Natural stance, Stands straight Some rocking, Slouches and
looks relaxed and
confident. Smiles.
with no obvious
distractions.
twisting or
fidgeting
distracts audience
by consistent
rocking, twisting
and fidgeting
Voice
Speaks clearly,
confidently and
distinctly all of the
time: no
mispronunciations
. Varied voice
when starting a
new point. Uses
pauses effectively.
Can be heard by
all audience.
Speaks clearly and
distinctly all of the
time but
mispronounces
some words. Also
uses pausing to
make a point or
signal change.
Can be heard
most of the time.
Voice is clear and
can be heard most
of the time. May
mispronounce a
few words. Does
not use pausing
effectively.

Often mumbles
and cannot be
understood OR
mispronounces
many words.
Exhibits two or
more of: softly
spoken/screams;
mumbles;
monotone
Expression
Expressive,
audible voice with
excellent use of
intonation.
Interesting to
listen to.
Uses some
expression and
makes an attempt
to use expression
and change in
volume or pitch.
Insufficient
expression and/or
no intonation or
modulation used.
No expression and
no attempt to
change intonation.
Difficult to listen
to.
Palm Cards

Used as prompt
only, includes key
words or phrases.
Holds palm cards
in one hand.
Organised in
order.
Attempts to hold
palm cards in one
hand. Glances
away from palm
cards.
Entire speech
written on palm
cards. Both hands
holding palm
cards. Reading
from cards. In
wrong order.
Uses large pieces
of paper or entire
speech is written
down. No
indication of being
able to speak
without.
Timing &
pacing


Close to allocated
time. Excellent use
of pauses.
Presentation is 3
minutes.
Presentation is
2 - 3 minutes.
Presentation is 1
2 minutes.
Presentation is
less than 1 min OR
more than 4
minutes.
Total /56

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