Impromptu Speech Scoring Rubric

CRITERIA Exceptional Innovative Commendable Competent Emerging SCORE

CONTENT
Topic/Purpose Fully focused topic with Appropriately focused Focused topic with some Some sense of topic with a Lacks focus on either topic
clearly communicated topic with understanding understanding of the vague sense of the or general purpose
(10) understanding of the of the speechs purpose speechs purpose speechs topic
speechs purpose (7-8) (5-6) (3-4) (1-2)
(9-10)
Preparation and Commanding grasp of Clear use of related ideas Ideas relate to topic, but Ideas loosely connect with Ideas questionable at best;
Organization related ideas within full with development of explanations lack topic; however, explanations lacking; little
development of points; major points, organized connections and explanations are limited or if any sense of
(10) clearly and logically with a sense of beginning, organization falters incomplete; poorly organization
organized with distinct middle and end. Some (5-6) organized. (1-2)
introduction, body and transitions used. (3-4)
conclusion with (7-8)
appropriate transitions
linking the sections
(9-10)
Use of Language Use of sophisticated and Use of appropriate, varied Use of appropriate Use of language Use or inappropriate,
(includes varied language suited to and somewhat language yet lacks a level unsuitable to topic, imprecise and/or incorrect
appropriateness and topic and audience; sophisticated language, of sophistication, audience and purpose; language mars effective
factualness) language is well-chosen well chosen and originality and word choice does little to communication on topic
(10) concise and grammatically grammatically correct. expressiveness; few, if convey an appropriate (1-2)
correct. (7-8) any, grammatical mistakes tone; noticeable errors
(9-10) (5-6) (3-4)
DELIVERY
Verbal and Combination of Good use of combination Some use of eye contact; Inconsistent use of eye Lack of eye contact, vocal
Nonverbal appropriate and effective of appropriate eye vocal clarity and contact, vocal clarity and clarity and projection; poor
(10) eye contact, vocal clarity contact, vocal clarity and projection adequate; projection; poor pacing pacing and awkward
and projection, tone, pace projection tone pace and pacing and gestures and awkward gestures gestures make the speech
and gestures serve to gestures add to speechs somewhat contrived interrupt the flow difficult to follow
enhance speakers words effect. (5-6) (3-4) (1-2)
(9-10) (7-8)

OVERALL EFFECT
 Speaker maintains Speaker shows some Speaker, shows limited Speaker lacks enthusiasm Speak fails to display
(10) enthusiasm and audience enthusiasm; audience enthusiasm; audience around topic and no clear minimal interest in topic
attention throughout; interest is maintained interest falters at times; purpose emerges. or speech.
purpose is clearly achieved most of the time; purpose purpose of speech only (3-4) (1-2)
(9-10) of speech is achieved partially achieved
(7-8) (5-6)

Impromptu Speech Scoring Rubric

TIME
Length of Speech (min:sec) Points deducted
_______ Minutes 5:01 (stop speech) -5
3:00 5:00 0
_______ Seconds 2:30 2:59 -10
2:00 2:29 -15
1:30 1:59 -20
0:31 1:29 -25
0:01 0:30 -30
TOTAL

Judges Initials: ____________

COMMENTS: