Student ID#___________________
Major: _______________________
Criteria/
Essential Elements
Organization
Essential Elements
·∙ Introduction
·∙ Body
·∙ Conclusion
·∙ Transitions from one
section to another
Content
Essential Elements
·∙ Main idea/purpose
·∙ Evidence to support
main idea/purpose
·∙ References cited
within presentation,
not at end.
·∙ Appropriate for
audience.
·∙ Clear & concise, yet
complete
·∙ Response to
questions from
audience.
COM Oral Communication Skills Rubric
Date_______________________
Course # and Section _______________
Evaluator/Instructor ______________________
Beginning
1
Irrelevant or undeveloped
introduction; main points
and conclusion are unclear;
speaker often loses focus
during presentation;
audience cannot follow
presentation.
Developing
2
Audience has difficulty
following presentation due to
abrupt jumps from one main
point to another; some main
points are unclear or
insufficiently stressed.
Proficient
3
Well-organized; clear
introduction; main points
are well stated but some
transitions may be abrupt;
clear conclusion.
Exemplary
4
Superbly organized; clear
introduction; main points
well stated, focused and
argued/explained with each
point leading to the next;
clear summary and
conclusion.
Central idea/purpose is not
stated; inaccurate or vague
evidence provided; little/no
references cited during
speech; consistently
inappropriate to audience or
context; grammar,
pronunciation and/or word
choice are severely
deficient.
Central idea/purpose is poorly
developed or loosely related
to the assignment; provides
some evidence of research
with sources during speech;
portions of presentation are
inappropriate for audience;
some poorly chosen words
and/or grammatical or
pronunciation errors.
Central idea/purpose is
clearly stated; presents
evidence from multiple
credible sources during
speech; level of
presentation is generally
appropriate for audience;
selects words appropriate
for context and uses
correct grammar and
pronunciation.
Speaker clearly and
accurately explains central
idea/purpose with helpful
examples/applications from
credible and varied sources;
level of presentation is
appropriate for the
audience; rich and varied
words used in complete
sentences that flow
smoothly with correct
pronunciation and grammar.
Criteria/
Essential Elements
Supporting Materials/
Presentational
Aids (Slides, posters,
handouts, computergenerated materials,
props, etc.)
Essential Elements
·∙ Aids/materials
support main point
·∙ Professional
appearance
·∙ Clear & concise
·∙ Easily read &
understood.
Verbal and
Non-Verbal
Delivery
Essential Elements
·∙ Voice volume & tone
·∙ Attire
·∙ Eye contact
·∙ Posture
·∙ Movement
·∙ Facial expressions
·∙ Audience
engagement
·∙ Clear & concise
Beginning
1
Few/no graphics used to
enhance message or
inappropriate graphics that
are so poorly prepared that
they detract from message;
font is too small to be easily
seen; presentational aids are
unprofessional and poorly
integrated into speech.
Developing
2
Occasional use of graphics
that rarely support message;
choppy , time wasting
multimedia; lacks smooth
transition from one material to
another; font is too small to be
easily seen;
Proficient
3
Graphics relate to and
support message; font size
is appropriate for reading;
multimedia is informative
and enhances the overall
presentation, but not
outstanding.
Exemplary
4
Graphics used effectively to
reinforce central idea and
maximize audience
understanding; varied media
are used appropriately, not
added simply for the sake of
use; visuals are easily seen
and read by even those in
back of room; outstanding
use of professional materials
to accentuate main points
with smooth transitions
from one material to
another.
Verbal delivery is too soft
or too fast, lacks confident
tone; unintended silence,
repeated words or sections
and filled pauses (e.g. “um”
or “you know”) or nonverbal cues (eye contact,
posture, attire, movement or
facial expressions)
frequently distract audience.
Vocal delivery is audible.
Rate, volume or speech
disruptions only occasionally
distract from audience
comprehension; eye contact,
posture, attire, gestures,
movement and facial
expressions neither enhance
nor hinder effectiveness
significantly.
Vocal delivery is clear and
distinct. Rate, volume and
tone facilitate audience
comprehension. Some of
the following enhance the
presentation: eye contact,
posture, attire, gestures,
and movement or facial
expressions.
Vocal delivery is varied and
dynamic. Speech rate,
volume and tone enhance
listener interest and
understanding. Most or all
of the following enhance the
presentation: eye contact,
posture, attire, gestures, and
movement and/or facial
expressions.
Did student meet standard for outcome?
Yes
No
Total points __________________
A wide range of sources were consulted during the creation of this rubric, including rubrics from Susan Hatfield’s “Sample Rubrics” page at
http://course1.winona.edu/shatfield/air/rubrics.htm.
1/21/2014 tkc