Rawlinson Prosody Rubric (RPR)
An informal tool for measuring and assessing prosody in individuals with social language delays or difficulties.
Dimension
1
2
3
4
Expression
and Volume
Is barely audible or
(conversely) very loud;
OR has flat affect and
lacks expression.
Volume is typically too
loud or too soft to be
appropriate for the
situation, and affect is
low.
Volume is generally
acceptable, but is
sometimes too loud or
soft. Affect is
sometimes low or
absent.
Speaks with good
expression and
affect; uses
appropriate volume
for different
situations.
Phrasing
Phrasing is monotone or
overly melodic, or
repeats a pattern
inappropriate for
language spoken.
Phrasing is choppy or is
sometimes monotone or
too melodic or repetitive
for language spoken.
Phrasing is generally
acceptable, although
occasionally sounds
atypical in.
Phrasing and pattern
sound typical and
appropriate for
language spoken.
Smoothness Has frequent pauses,
repetitions, or false
starts; alternatively runs
sentences together
and/or often pauses in
usual places.
Has pauses and is
difficult to listen to; has
difficulty connecting more
than 2­3 words or
connects words more
than expected without
taking natural pauses.
Occasionally breaks
up phrases unnaturally
or connects phrases
unnaturally.
Uses pauses as
expected and
connects sentences
as expected. If
errors are made,
they are
self­corrected.
Pace
Speaks very slowly or
laboriously, or speaks
very quickly.
Speaks moderately
slowly or quickly in a
manner that makes the
listener uncomfortable.
Often uses a
reasonable pace, but
occasionally speaks
more quickly or more
slowly than is
expected.
Uses a typical pace
and matches the
pace of the
conversation or
situation.
Pitch
Pitch is unusually high or
low compared to peers
and/or individual's voice
level when coughing or
clearing throat, or varies
greatly between highest
and lowest speaking
pitch.
Pitch is somewhat higher
or lower than peers
and/or individual's voice
level when coughing or
clearing throat or varies
uncomfortably between
highest and lowest
speaking pitch.
Usually uses
appropriate pitch, but
sometimes (<30% of
the time) speaks
higher or lower than is
warranted for the
social situation.
Uses appropriate
pitch and range of
pitch for different
social situations.
Expression and Volume
Range:
Phrasing
5­9
Rating Severity: Significantly Impacted
Smoothness
Pace
Pitch
Total
10­12
13­16
17­20
Moderately Impacted
Mildly Impacted
No Concerns
Created by Rachel Rawlinson, M.S. CCC­SLP, Voice Therapist, B.S. Music Education
© Rachel Rawlinson, 2019
For permission to use, email chelleer@gmail.com