Name: ____________________________________________
Final Score:_______________________
Persuasive Speech Outline Rubric
This grading rubric is divided into categories: Organizational Pattern, Introduction, Body, etc. Each of these categories will be evaluated
based on the presence or absence of the elements listed within it as well as the quality of those elements. Each of the specific
elements of the outline will either be in bold or standard font. Elements written in bold are more important than those in standard
font and are thus worth more. Each category will earn an overall grade based on how well you meet the requirements for each of the
elements within it (0, √-, √, or √+). A, excellent = 95% (19 or 9.5 pts); B, good = 85% (17 or 8.5 pts); C, satisfactory = 75% (15 or
7.5 pts); D, needs improvement = 65% (13 or 6.5 pts); F, fails to satisfy basic requirements = 55% (11 or 5.5 pts); 0, not completed
1. Organizational Pattern: 5 points
Organizing Fact Claims Pattern (Causal, Comparison, Categorical)
Organizing Value Claims Pattern (Criteria-Application, Categorical)
Organizing Policy Claims Pattern (Motivated Sequence, Problem-Cause Solution, Comparative Advantage,
Categorical)
1) Clearly identifies the outline’s organizational pattern and nature of the claim
2) Follows the requirements of the stated organizational pattern
3) Effectively employs the elements of the stated organizational pattern
2. Introduction: 20 points possible (the following may not be in the introduction for your organizational
pattern)
1) Attention getter
2) Stated the thesis (and defined it if necessary)
3) Reason to listen
4) Preview of points
5) Speaker credibility
3. Body: 30 points possible (A=28.5, B=25.5, C=22.5, D=19.5, F=16.5)
1) Provides important/necessary background information
2) Presentation was sensitive to the opposition’s/audience’s point of view
3) Evidence is clearly relevant
4) Provides a variety of support from credible sources (statistics, examples, testimony)
5) General organization of main ideas and subpoints is logical
6) Organization/presentation of information is strategic
7) Evidence is sufficiently developed
4. Conclusion: 10 points possible (may not be a requirement for all organizational patterns)
1) Review of main points
2) Finish with a clincher
5. Transitions: 5 points possible
1) Obvious, effective transitions are used between each section of the speech (please label them)
6. Development: 10 points possible (ADD MORE POINTS HERE?)
1) The speech is persuasive
2) The argument is clear throughout the outline (you do not disagree with yourself)
3) The topic is clear, focused, and sufficiently developed
7. References: 10 points possible
1) Provides in-text citations when necessary
2) Provides a works cited page (and specifies the formatting style)
8. Procedures: 10 points possible
1) Proper subordination of points (main ideas, sub-points, etc. are presented as such)
2) Uses complete sentences
3) Avoids verbal clutter
Potential Deductions if the following are NOT met:
1) posted online (0 credit if not posted)
2) Formatting follows an established or clear outlining approach (1-5 pts)
3) 5-9 pages long (1 pt per page)
4) At least three credible sources (journal, newspaper, magazine articles; CQ Researcher, etc.;
official websites, books; 5 pts)
5) Error-free, clear writing (1-10 pts)
Final Score (100 pts possible):