Leadership presentation rubric
(50 points)
You will select one of the quotes on the wall in my classroom (see list on back), and
prepare an oral presentation that describes (1) a historical figure whose actions (one or
more) exemplify the essence of the quote, and (2) what a hypothetical Mira Costa student
can do to live out the quote. Your presentation should be designed to inspire you and
your classmates to act in a way so as to change themselves and/or the world for the better.
Preparing your presentation Phase 1: You will need to conduct research into your chosen figure in order to provide
details of the figure’s life and/or actions that you intend to use to exemplify the quote.
You should then prepare an outline of the points that you will make and the evidence
from your research that will support those points.
Phase 2: You should reflect on the quote and your life (and perhaps your historical figure
research) in order to explain what the quote means to you. Your reflection should include
your interpretation of what the quote means, and why you are inspired by it. Your
remarks should be designed to inspire you and your classmates to live out the quote in
ways that you suggest.
You do not need to turn in any written product. Make bullet point notes (on index cards
if you like) so that you aren’t just reading it to the class, and can attempt eye contact.
Oral Presentation –
Your presentation should take no less than 2 minutes and no more than 4 minutes. You
may use props or a costume, but they are not required. You should practice your
presentation so as to exhibit outstanding oral presentation skills, including a slow and
careful delivery, strong voice, clear elocution, eye contact, strong stance, appropriate
gestures, and avoidance of slang and distracting movements. (Refer to the Public
Speaking Tips rubric on my website.)
Grading –
Content (quality of information regarding the historical figure chosen, analysis applying
the quote to the figure, thoughtfulness and effort in reflection, effectiveness and
inspiration) – 45 points
Oral presentation skills - 5 points
Quotes
“A life is not important except in the impact that it has on other lives.”
“The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and
convenience, but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy.”
“The best inspiration is not outdoing others, but in outdoing ourselves.”
“To achieve all that is possible, we must attempt the impossible; to be as much as we can
be, we must dream of being more.”
“The power of love will always overcome the love of power.”
“It is important that people know what you stand for. It is equally important that they
know what you don’t stand for.”
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
“Fight the cowardice that shrinks from truth, fight the laziness that is content with half
truth, fight the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth.”
“Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.”
“Strive for justice and the courage to pursue it; strive for peace and the strength to work
for it; strive for righteousness and the determination to live it; strive for love and the
understanding to earn it.”
“We must look for the opportunity in every difficulty, instead of being paralyzed at the
thought of the difficulty in every opportunity.”
“Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a
trail.”