Criteria Used for Evaluating Speeches

The average speech (grade C) should meet the following criteria:

1.

Conform to the kind of speech assignedinformative, persuasive, etc.

2.

Be ready for presentation on the assigned date

3.

Conform to the time limit

4.

Fulfill any special requirements of the assignmentpreparing an outline, using visual aids, conducting an interview, etc.

5.

Have a clear specific purpose and central idea

6.

Have an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion

7.

Show reasonable directness and competence in delivery

8.

Be free of serious errors in grammar, pronunciation, and word usage

The above average speech (grade B) should meet the preceding criteria and also:

1.

Deal with a challenging topic

2.

Fulfill all major functions of a speech introduction and conclusion

3.

Display clear organization of main points and supporting materials

4.

Support main points with evidence that meets the tests of accuracy, relevance, objectivity, and sufficiency

5.

Exhibit proficient use of connectivestransitions, internal previews, internal summaries, and signposts

6.

Be delivered skillfully enough so as not to distract attention from the speakers message
The superior speech (grade A) should meet all the preceding criteria and also:

1.

Constitute a genuine contribution by the speaker to the knowledge or beliefs of the audience

2.

Sustain positive interest, feeling, and/or commitment among the audience

3.

Contain elements of vividness and special interest in the use of language

4.

Be delivered in a fluent, polished manner that strengthens the impact of the speakers message
The below average speech (grade D or F) is seriously deficient in the criteria required for the C speech.

Speech Evaluation Form

Speaker
Topic
Rate the speaker on each point:

E-excellent

G-good

A-average

F-fair

P-poor

COMMENTS
INTRODUCTION
Gained attention and interest
Introduced topic clearly
Established credibility
Previewed body of speech
Related to audience

E
E
E
E
E

G
G
G
G
G

A
A
A
A
A

F
F
F
F
F

P
P
P
P
P

BODY
Main points clear
Main points fully supported
Organization well planned
Language accurate
Language clear, concise
Language appropriate
Connectives effective

E
E
E
E
E
E
E

G
G
G
G
G
G
G

A
A
A
A
A
A
A

F
F
F
F
F
F
F

P
P
P
P
P
P
P

CONCLUSION
Prepared audience for ending
Reinforced central idea

E
E

G
G

A
A

F
F

P
P

DELIVERY
Maintained eye contact
Used voice effectively
Used physical action effectively
Presented visual aids well

E
E
E
E

G
G
G
G

A
A
A
A

F
F
F
F

P
P
P
P

OVERALL EVALUATION
Topic challenging
Specific purpose well chosen
Speech adapted to audience
Speech completed in time limit

E
E
E
E

G
G
G
G

A
A
A
A

F
F
F
F

P
P
P
P

39

Speech Evaluation Form

Speaker
Topic
Rate the speaker on each point:

E-excellent

INTRODUCTION
Gained attention and interest
Introduced topic clearly
Related to audience
Established credibility
Previewed body of speech

E
E
E
E
E

G
G
G
G
G

A
A
A
A
A

F
F
F
F
F

P
P
P
P
P

BODY
Main points clear
Main points fully supported
Organization well planned
Language accurate
Language clear
Language appropriate
Connectives effective

E
E
E
E
E
E
E

G
G
G
G
G
G
G

A
A
A
A
A
A
A

F
F
F
F
F
F
F

P
P
P
P
P
P
P

CONCLUSION
Prepared audience for ending E G A F P
Reinforced central idea
E G A F P
Vivid ending
E G A F P

G-good

A-average

F-fair

P-poor

DELIVERY
Began speech without rushing
Maintained strong eye contact
Avoided distracting mannerisms
Articulated words clearly
Used pauses effectively
Used vocal variety to add impact
Prepared visual aids well
Presented visual aids well
Communicated enthusiasm for topic
Departed from lectern without rushing

E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E

G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F

P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P

OVERALL EVALUATION
Met assignment
Topic challenging
Specific purpose well chosen
Message adapted to audience
Speech completed within time limit
Held interest of audience

E
E
E
E
E
E

G
G
G
G
G
G

A
A
A
A
A
A

F
F
F
F
F
F

P
P
P
P
P
P

What did the speaker do most effectively?

What should the speaker pay special attention to next time?

General Comments

40

Speech Evaluation Form

Speaker
Topic
Rate the speaker on each point:

E-excellent

G-good

A-average

F-fair

P-poor

What was the speakers specific purpose?

Introduction gained attention

Introduction revealed the topic clearly
Introduction related topic to the audience
Introduction established credibility
Introduction previewed the body of the speech

E
E
E
E
E

G
G
G
G
G

A
A
A
A
A

F
F
F
F
F

P
P
P
P
P

List the main points of the speech. On the line at right, note the kinds of supporting materials used
for each: S-statistics E-examples T-testimony
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
What pattern of organization did the speaker use?

Conclusion reinforced the central idea

Conclusion ended on a strong note
Speakers language was clear
Speakers language was vivid
Speakers language was appropriate
Speaker maintained strong eye contact
Speaker had sufficient vocal variety
Speaker articulated words clearly
Speaker seemed poised and confident
Speaker communicated enthusiasm for the topic
Overall evaluation of the speech
41

E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E

G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F

P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P