Rubrics: Impromptu Speaking (20%)
Excellent (8-10 marks)
Very well-groomed (hair, pressed
clothes). Overall appearance is very
neat, professional and smart.
Appropriate choice of clothing.
Good (6-7.5 marks)
Grooming is neat. Need minor
improvements. Well-groomed (shirt
tucked in, minimal wrinkles).
Acceptable (5 marks)
Grooming needs improvement.
Inappropriate choice of clothing.
Unacceptable (0-4.5 marks)
Poor grooming. Untidy appearance.
Inappropriate choice of clothing.
BODY LANGUAGE/POSTURE
Effective descriptive and emphatic
gestures are used. No fidgeting with
natural gestures that enhance
communication.
Effective descriptive and emphatic
gestures are used. Minimal fidgeting.
No distracting gestures.
Fidgeted – uneasy movement of
hands and feet frequently. Some
distracting and inappropriate
gestures.
Fidgeted – constant uneasy
movement of hands and feet.
Poor gestures.
POISE
Relaxed and self-confident. Makes
no mistakes.
Makes minor mistakes but quickly
recovers from them, displays little or
no tension.
Displays mild tension, has trouble
recovering from mistakes.
Tension & nervousness are obvious,
has trouble recovering from
mistakes.
EYE CONTACT
Consistent eye contact with
audience is made, throughout the
speech. Does not look at cue cards.
Consistent eye contact with audience
is made through most of the speech.
Glances at cue cards often.
Minimal eye contact is made with
audience and reads mostly from cue
cards.
No eye contact is made and reads
mostly from cue cards.
ORGANISATION
Speech framework is used. Clear
introduction, body and conclusion.
Information is presented in logical
and interesting sequence.
Speech framework is used but
introduction or body or conclusion
can be clearer.
Speech is difficult to follow as there
are many pauses and organisation of
speech is unclear.
No sequence of information.
CONTENT /AUDIENCE
AWARENESS
Ideas are sound and logical. Many
effective examples are given. Highly
increases audience understanding
and knowledge of topic; convinces
an audience to recognize the validity
and importance of the subject.
Ideas are sound and logical.
Examples could be more relevant.
Raises audience understanding and
awareness of most points.
Ideas are sound and logical. A few
examples are given but no clear
conclusion.
Raises audience understanding and
knowledge of some points.
Ideas are sound and logical. No
examples.
Fails to increase audience
understanding of knowledge of topic.
CREATIVITY
Attention-getters are used. Original,
creative and clever approach in
capturing audience’s attention.
Some originality, clever at times.
Appropriate attention-getter is used.
Little or no variation, few original
touches. Attention-getter is used in
an ineffective way.
Speech is bland and predictable. No
attention-getter is used.
ELOCUTION
Clear, loud voice is used with correct,
precise pronunciation.
Varied intonation.
Voice is clear. Most words are
pronounced clearly. Intonation is
varied most of the time.
Voice is low. Terms are incorrectly
pronounced. No variation in tone.
Mumbles, incorrectly pronounces
words. No variation in tone.
GRAMMAR & LANGUAGE
Almost free of errors
Occasional errors that do not distract
or obscure meaning.
Many distracting errors.
Distracting errors that obscure
meaning.
ENTHUSIASM
Emotes from the heart.
Convicted about what is said.
Attempts made to emote from the
heart but can be more convicted.
NA
Speech lacks feeling or conviction.
GROOMING
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Rubrics: Impromptu Speaking (20%)
Assessment Objective:
To demonstrate critical thinking and presentation skills to structure an impromptu 1.5 - 3 minute speech on a given topic
Assessment Format
The Impromptu Speaking Assessment is conducted over ONE session.
You will be given a random speech topic with 5 minutes to prepare. A laptop with internet connectivity is available for research. You are allowed the use of
cue cards, but these should be used discreetly and not at the expense of eye contact. You will then deliver an impromptu speech for a minimum of 1.5
minutes, to a maximum of 3 minutes. (At 3 minutes, students are expected to wrap up the speech).
Examples:
1. JFK said, “Ask not what you country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” How applicable is this to Singapore?
2. Good communication skills are more important than hard work in business. Do you agree?
3. University graduate parents produce smarter kids. Do you agree?
4. The new media is changing the rules of politics in Singapore. Comment.
5. What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?
Please come dressed in business formal:
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Males: Long-sleeved shirt, tie, dress pants and dress shoes. Hair must be neat and tidy.
Females: Long-sleeved shirt or long-sleeved blouse, business skirt (should not be shorter than 2 inches above the knee) or pants and heels (no ballet
flats). Hair should be neat and tidy. Nails should not be painted in garish colours (black/blue/etc.).
Jackets are optional.
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