Persuasive Speech

Name Section # CMN-101-

Title of Speech Date

Grading Criteria Possible

E = excellent Points Per
Category M = meets expectations Category:
E M B B = below expectations Up to 15
Content and Structure 10 9 87 543210 Attention—Grab the audience’s attention at the 10
50 Points 6 beginning of your speech. Pages 200-204.

10 9 87 543210 Need—Show audience that there is a serious

6 problem that needs action. The speaker explains
what the problem/need is thoroughly. The speaker
cannot just mention what the problem/need is but 10
must explain it. The speaker must have attention
and orienting information in the introduction so that
the audience can connect to the speech. It is the
speaker’s job to build ethos (trust and credibility) at
the beginning of the speech.

Spreading awareness is broad. What 10 9 87 543210 Satisfaction—Satisfy the need by presenting a

specifically? 6 solution. Your proposed solution is your thesis. 6
Show and explain how your solution will work.
The solution must logically address the problem.

Visualization—Paint a picture of results. Your

scenario can be positive. Help listeners visualize 10
10 9 87 543210 the good that will happen when your solution is
6 put into effect.

Action—Request Action from the listeners. Be

specific. Clincher/final statement—The speaker
10 9 87 543210 does not summarize but develops a clincher to drive 10
6 the point home and does not recount what has
already been stated. The clincher/closing must be
developed and just as profound as the introduction.
The speaker must use the appropriate clincher for
this assignment. Pages 209-210

** Each main point and subdivision must be

supportive of the thesis.

7
Organization 4 3 2 10 The speaker uses bridges, signposts, spotlights,
7 and appropriate transitions. The speaker uses
pathos, ethos, and logos. The speaker does not
develop fallacies throughout the speech.

In addition, the speaker establishes/develops ethos,

10 logos, and pathos. The speaker develops examples
3 2 and illustrations that assist in the comprehension or
visualization of the central idea.

6
Bibliography & Oral Footnotes 3 2 10 Bibliography/Works Cited requirements met. The
6 speaker presents and develops a works cited at the
end of the speech in MLA format. The speaker uses
academic sources. The speaker presents useful and
relevant information. The content of the speech
develops and explains the thesis and is supported
with current outside evidence.

3 2 10 Oral footnotes requirements met. The student must

cite at least three academic sources orally while
presenting the speech.

The oral footnotes are supportive of the speaker’s

thesis, main points, and subdivisions. The oral
footnotes are profound and add to the speech.

8
Presentation Aids 4 3 2 10 Well-designed/Appropriate/Useful to audience
8 (size, color, neatness, spelling)
4 3 2 10 Presented skillfully
(faced audience while using;
avoided blocking audience’s view)
The visuals must be integrated throughout the
presentation. They must become an integral part of
the message.

The speaker should use progressive revelation, and

the speaker should make sure the visual is large
enough so the backrow can view it with ease (back-
row comprehension). The visual must be in synch
with speaker’s message. You must balance the
visuals…Please read Chapter Nine

Pictures over words. The visual cannot be just a

random object/model. The visual must represent
what the speaker is explaining. The visuals must be
supportive of the message and thesis.

In addition, if one is in the online class, you may use

one of the approved apps—YouCut, PowerDirector,
FilmoraGo, IMovie etc.—to share visuals. You must
remain on the camera throughout the speech. You
must make sure that your graphics are about the
subject matter. If you are in the on-line class, you
must remain on the camera at all times. You cannot
edit (clip and paste or stop and go) the speech. If so,
the grade will be zero..
Nonverbal Body Language 10
10 6 54 3 2 10 Eye contact—must be 95% (267). The student must
keep eye contact with the audience throughout the
presentation.

4 3 2 10 Body language
(posture, gestures, facial expressions;
avoided distracting mannerisms)
Vocal/Verbal Delivery 7
9 98 76 43210 Skillful use of voice & words including:
5 Vocal variety & expressiveness (not monotone)
Speaking rate & flow (avoided “dead air”)
Volume
Avoided verbal fillers (uh, um, like, etc.)
Correct articulation, pronunciation, grammar &
word usage
No inappropriate language (crude, sexist, racist)
**If the student reads the speech, the student will
receive no points for this section.
10
Conformity to Time Limit 10 Length of speech was within given time limit range
10 8 +/- up to 30 seconds
6 +/- :31 seconds – 1:00 minute
4 +/- 1:01 - 1:30
2 +/- 1:31 - 2:00
0 +/- 2:01 - 2:30

Raw Score 94
(out of 100 possible points)

Penalties If a student reads or gives the appearance of

reading, the speech the grade will start at 65%.
Please understand that if one sits and delivers the
speech, the assumption will be that the student is
reading, and the grade will start at 65%.

If the student does not deliver a persuasive speech

about a local is and/or if the speaker nationalizes the
speech, twenty-five points will be deducted.

If the speaker uses complete sentence, bullet-points

and/or phrases on the notecard, twenty points will be
deducted. KEY WORDS ONLY.
 The speaker may only use one side of the card. If
the speaker uses front and back, fifteen points will be
deducted.

The speaker must leave the cards on the table at the

end of the presentation.

TOTAL SCORE 90-100=A 80-89=B 70-79=C 60-69=D 0-59=F 94

This form revised June 20, 2016