iRubric: Public Speaking rubric

Student read their speech and never looks at the audience or hides behind their speech.

Student looks up from their speech a few times, generally making contact with only one area of the room.

The student makes eye contact with all sides of the room and looks up repeatedly.

The student uses eye contact to communicate a clearer message by looking at audience members directly to highlight a point.

The speaker's pace makes it difficult to understand the speech because it is too fast.

The speaker maintains a good pace that may be a tad too slow or too fast, but may not vary understandable to the audience.

The pace of the speech is easy to follow, but may not vary.

The speaker varies the pace in order to emphasize points and add meaning.

The speaker's gestures are distracting. The speaker looks depressed or apathetic.

The speaker's appearance may lack formality because he or she is fidgeting, not standing up straight, or seems insecure.

The speaker's appearance is professional in dress, stance, and gestures.

The speaker's appearance is professional in dress, stance, and gestures. The student uses their body to emphasize points or add meaning.

The speaker has a limited understanding of their topic. They do not seem to be interested, or cannot convey their interest to the audience. The speech is not well organized, or seems like a list of facts.

The speaker has some understanding of their topic. They made their topic interesting for the audience. The speech is organized at some parts, but loses focus.

The speaker has a good understanding of their topic. Their interest in the subject has made it accessible for the audience. The speech is well organized enough that the audience can follow along and learn.

The speaker has a thorough understanding of their topic. Their passion for, and interest in the subject are clear to the audience. The speech is very well organized, with easy to follow information.