Missouri State University

Oral Presentation Guide

Evaluating an oral performance is, by definition, a highly subjective process. One should be under no illusions that anyone's evaluation of an oral performance will be "objective" as that term is commonly used. Speech performances are evaluated based upon the expertise and experience of the evaluator. Part of becoming a more effective speaker is developing the ability to make critical judgments about what constitutes an effective speech; this is one reason why it is crucial that students observe their colleagues speaking. The following rubric is a useful tool for demonstrating some common, but essential, elements of an "average," "above average," and "superior" speech performance.

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Criteria for Evaluating Speeches (including Checklist for Speech Preparation)