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Oral Rhetoric

Criteria for Evaluating Speeches
(Adapted from the National Communication Association)

The A Speech (superior work):

  • meets all the criteria for the B speech            
  • creatively and imaginatively explores and develops the topic            
  • nurtures audience involvement through a variety of appeals          
  • adapts information and supporting material to the audience’s experience        
  • is very well-researched, going far beyond the minimum number of sources            
  • is artful in its use of language and in its style          
  • is a polished presentation, both verbally and nonverbally, yet is natural            
  • is delivered with a strong sense of presence            
  • meets the time constraints for the assignment

The B Speech (good, thorough, and insightful work):

  • meets all the criteria for the C speech
  • explores a challenging topic, adapted to the audience            
  • is well-researched, going beyond the minimum number of sources           
  • clearly identifies sources of information and ideas            
  • creates and sustains attention throughout the presentation           
  • effectively uses transitions, previews, and summaries            
  • employs good oral style            
  • is presented with poise
  • is between 30 seconds and 1 minute over time.

The C Speech (average work that meets the requirements):            

  • is somewhat original and unique            
  • is appropriate to the assignment            
  • is appropriate for the audience and sufficiently focused            
  • is adequately supported with research and evidence            
  • has a clear sense of purpose            
  • makes a strong start in the introduction and a strong finish in the conclusion            
  • has an appropriate design            
  • is presented extemporaneously            
  • is between 1 to 2 minutes over time.

The D or F Speech (poor or failing work):

  • fails to meet the basic requirements for the assignment            
  • is poorly researched, does not identify its sources, or engages in plagiarism            
  • does not engage the audience or relate to its members in any significant way            
  • has an aimless structure or does not make the parts relate to the whole            
  • is expressed in a poor oral style and poor delivery            
  • does not have a clear sense of purpose demonstrated throughout the speech            
  • has content that ranges from superficial to barren            
  • demonstrates disregard for time constraints