Criteria for Peer Evaluating
A "D" has any one of the following serious problems:
▫ The speaker reads word-for-word a significant portion of the speech from a manuscript. (It is, of course, perfectly appropriate to read briefly from your notes to be certain you are quoting statistics or testimony accurately.)
▫ The speech is apparently delivered without advance preparation.
▫ The speech is memorized. (If a speech "sounds" memorized, the instructor is justified in assuming it is memorized. Speeches sound memorized when the speaker uses an essentially written style rather than oral style.)
▫ The speech generally lacks organization; that is, the listener cannot readily distinguish the Introduction from the Body, or the Body from the Conclusion of the speech.
A "C" speech has some good features but also one or more of these major problems:
▫ The body of the speech has major organizational problems, such as too many or too few major divisions, or an illogical arrangement of those divisions.
▫ The speaker fails to adequately develop ideas in the speech. Major points or sub-points in the body are improperly divided or explained, or individual assertions need more support to be accepted by the audience.
▫ The speaker's eye contact is inadequately established and maintained. A speaker must make consistent eye contact (emphasis on contact) with persons in different parts of the audience throughout the speech.
▫ The speaker cannot be clearly and easily heard.
▫ The speaker leans, chews gum or uses otherwise inappropriate body language
▫ The speech is far too long (drags on)
▫ The speech is far too short (not enough info)
A "B" speech is technically sound in each of the following areas:
▫ The speech is delivered in a fashion which engages the students
▫ The form of speaking is appropriate to the speaker, the audience, and the occasion.
▫ The introduction is effective, including an attention-getter, a proposition, a clarification which includes a rationale or statement of relevance, and a preview.
▫ The conclusion is effective, including restatement or summary, and closure.
▫ Transitions are used effectively.
▫ The speech is organized in a logical manner.
▫ The speaker seems relaxed and confident
An "A" speech has all the technical soundness of a "B" speech, plus these additional strengths:
▫ The language of the speech is conversational. The speaker is comfortable with the audience, yet straightforward and business-like in manner.
▫ The speaker presents in an original and unique engaging manner hooking the audience and keeping them engaged throughout
▫ Transitions are used effectively.
▫ The speaker includes all necessary and relevant information
▫ The speaker incorporates excellent eye contact, body language, pace, tone, projection, etc
Evaluator’s comments: