Scoring	Guide	for	Oral	Communication
Criteria	1	2	3	4	Points
Nonverbal Skills
Eye Contact	Does not attempt to look at audience at all, reads notes the entire time.	Only focuses attention to one particular part of the class, does not scan audience.	Occasionally looks at someone or some groups during presentation.	Constantly looks at someone or some groups at all times.
Body Language (e.g., use of gestures and posture)	Body language reveals a reluctance to interact with audience.	Body language reflects some discomfort when interacting with audience.	Body language reflects comfort when interacting with audience.	Body language reflects confidence and ease when interacting with audience.
Vocal Skills
Voice and Tone	Speaks unclearly without pace, volume or inflection.	Speaks clearly but without adjusting pace, volume or inflection.	Speaks clearly, adjusting pace and volume appropriately with inflection.	Speaks clearly and expressively, adjusting pace and volume effectively with varied inflection.
Content
Depth of Content	Main ideas are unclear and rarely supported. Listeners gain no new insight. Details are random, inappropriate, unrelated, vague, or barely apparent.	Explanations of concepts and/or theories are inaccurate or incomplete. Listeners gain little from the presentation.	For the most part, explanations of concepts and theories are accurate and complete. Most main ideas are supported with specific details or examples.	Speaker provides an accurate and complete explanation of key concepts and theories; thoroughly explaining all points with appropriate evidence.
Accuracy of Content	Information included is sufficiently inaccurate that the listener cannot depend on the presentation as a source of accurate information.	Enough errors are made to distract a knowledgeable listener, but some information is accurate.	No significant errors are made. Listeners recognize any errors to be the result of nervousness or oversight.	Information (names, facts, etc.) included in the presentation demonstrates a mastery of content.

Content	1	2	3	4	Points
Organization	Presentation is poorly organized: elements missing or unclear. Listeners are confused.	Listeners can follow presentation with effort. Some statements are not clear and organization seems haphazard.	Presentation is generally clear and well organized. A few minor points may be confusing.	Presentation is clear, logical and organized. Listener can follow the line of reasoning.
Visual Aids	No visual aids are used, or they are so poorly prepared that they detract from the presentation.	Visual aids are poorly prepared or used inappropriately.	Visual aids contribute to the quality of the presentation. Thoughts are clearly articulated.	Visual aids enhance the entire presentation; they are prepared in a professional manner so that main points stand out.
Use of Language (e.g., grammar and vocabulary)	Listeners are so distracted by the presenter’s apparent difficulty with grammar and appropriate vocabulary, that they cannot focus on the ideas presented.	Listeners can follow the presentation, but some grammatical errors and use of slang are evident. Some sentences are incomplete/halting, and/or vocabulary is somewhat limited or inappropriate.	For the most part, sentences are complete, grammatical, and they flow together easily. With a few exceptions, words are chosen for their precise meaning.	Sentences are complete and grammatical, and they flow together easily. Word choices are appropriate to the subject.

Palmer Public Schools

Ann M. Kelley

1/12/2004

Scoring Sheet