Scale I: Vocal Expression–Expressiveness

Expressiveness refers to the extent to which the voice usage ranges from monotonous to

interesting and enthusiastic.

6 Interesting/enthusiastic

3-4 Some variation

1 Monotonous

Scale II: Vocal Expression–Clarity

Clarity refers to the distinctness of the articulation and pronunciation of words. This refers

to the voice rather than to meaning. The rating is an evaluation of the clearness of the

expression, not the understandability of the meaning of the word being used.

6 Clear throughout

3-4 Generally clear

1 Poor articulation

Scale III: Vocal Expression–Audibility

Audibility refers to appropriateness of the vocal volume used by the speaker. At one

extreme, the speaker either could not be heard at all or bellowed throughout the entire

presentation. At the other extreme, the speaker was clearly understandable throughout and

used volume appropriate to the meaning of the message and the setting.

6 Audible throughout

3-4 Generally audible

1 Cannot be heard

 

Scale IV: Physical Expression–Eye Contact

Eye contact refers to the degree to which the speaker maintains eye contact with the

listener(s). One extreme is represented by the person who either avoids eye contact

altogether, the other by the person who seems to be staring constantly at you. The ideal is

represented by the person who attracts the listener’s attention and interest through use of

the eyes without making the listener uncomfortable.

6 Involves audience with eye contact

3-4 Some eye contact

1 Avoids eye contact

Scale V: Physical Expression–Bodily Movement

Bodily movement refers, in this case, to movements of the entire body as well as facial

expression, and to the use of gestures. We are primarily concerned that movements focus

our attention and interest appropriately rather than be stiff, erratic, or inconsistent with the

message.

6 Focuses attention and interest with movement

3-4 Some appropriate movement

1 Stiff or erratic

Scale VI: Organization–Order

Order refers to the sequencing of main points within the message. No order would be

extremely confusing to listeners, while effective order helps them both to follow and to

anticipate ideas.

6 Effective order

3-4 Some order

1 No order

VII: Organization–Focus

Focus (purpose) refers to the extent to which the central thesis is clear and the subpoints

are related to this thesis.

6 Focus (purpose) ideas well related

3-4 Clear focus (purpose)

1 Unclear focus (purpose)

Scale VIII: Organization–Transitions

Transitions refers to the extent to which the speaker provides internal summaries and

signal words (”in the first place,” “finally,” etc.) for the listener.

6 Effective transitions/summaries

3-4 Some transitions

1 No transitions

Scale IX: Support and Elaboration–Reasoning

Reasoning refers to the clarity and use of the reasoning process. How well does the

speaker show relationships among ideas?

6 Full/effective elaboration with documentation

3-4 Some elaboration

1 No support Scale X: Support and Elaboration–Illustrating, Exemplifying,

Clarifying and Documenting

Illustrating, exemplifying, clarifying, and documenting all refer to the way the speaker

works with each idea. Does the speaker provide proof, data, and evidence? Are

illustrations, examples, etc., sufficient to support and clarify the ideas?

6 Reasoning clear and effective

3-4 Reasoning clear

1 Reasoning unclear

Scale XI: Adaptation to Audience

To what extent does the speaker use language and conventions appropriate for the

listener/audience? One extreme would be represented by the message that was full of

grammatical errors, unclear meaning, inappropriate style. The ideal is represented by the

speaker whose presentation is effective and whose audience/listener is unaware of any

adaptations.

6 Effective (appropriate and effective style)

3-4 Adequate (appropriate use, clear meaning)

1 Inadequate (unclear meaning, inappropriate style)