One of the best ways to learn public speaking, other than actually doing it, is to analyze what factors contributed to the strengths and weaknesses of your speech.  For this assignment you will develop a self assessment of your informative speech and assess your speech by writing a five-paragraph essay, typed and double-spaced in which you identify your strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for improvement. Refer to the grading rubric and the grading your instructor returned to you for your speech.  Your essay should be 300 to 500 word. Incorporate the following elements into your essay:                        1.         A header (MLA style) is required.  2.         Introduction (1st paragraph): Identify the purpose of your speech and summarize your topic.  3.         Body (2nd paragraph): How did you open with impact?  What did you say to connect your topic with your audience?  Was your thesis stated clearly?  Did you present the main points in a clear, concise manner?  Were transitions used between main points?  Did you provide ample support for main points?  Did you restate your main points in the conclusion?  How did you close with impact?  4.         Body (3rd paragraph):  Using the rubric, identify your strengths.  5.         Body (4th paragraph):  Using the rubric, identify your weaknesses.  6.         Conclusion (5th paragraph):  State how effective you believe your speech was and how you will address weaknesses.  Your essay should not be longer than 1 to 2 pages. Introduction 5 4 3 2 1 0 Weight Total Attention Getter Highly effective and obvious attention getting   device used. Audience attention was   clearly established. (Question, startling statement, statistic, story) Somewhat effective attention getting device used. Established   attention of audience. Attention getter was adequate to gain interest of audience. Attention getter was not adequate or effective to gain audience   attention. Attention getter was not used. Was not acceptable 5 4 3 2 1 0 Weight Total Connects with audience Topic relevance explained, adapted to occasion   and audience. Audience motivated to listen. Connect and interest of audience   obviously established. Topic relevance explained and adapted to   audience. Connect and interest of   audience established. Topic relevance established with audience. Connection with audience established. Topic relevance minimally established or alluded   to with audience. No obvious   connection with audience established. Connection with the audience was not established. Was not acceptable 5 4 3 2 1 0 Weight Total Presented thesis/main points The thesis and main points were clearly stated,   identified and established for audience. The thesis and main points were partially stated,   identified and established. Thesis and main points were stated. The thesis and main points were alluded to or   minimally i.

1. One of the best ways to learn public speaking, other than
actually doing it, is to analyze what factors contributed to the
strengths and weaknesses of your speech. For this assignment
you will develop a self assessment of your informative speech
and assess your speech by writing a five-paragraph essay, typed
and double-spaced in which you identify your strengths and
weaknesses and make recommendations for improvement. Refer
to the grading rubric and the grading your instructor returned to
you for your speech. Your essay should be 300 to 500 word.
Incorporate the following elements into your essay:
1. A header (MLA style) is required.
2. Introduction (1st paragraph): Identify the purpose of
your speech and summarize your topic.
3. Body (2nd paragraph): How did you open with impact?
What did you say to connect your topic with your audience?
Was your thesis stated clearly? Did you present the main points
in a clear, concise manner? Were transitions used between main
points? Did you provide ample support for main points? Did
you restate your main points in the conclusion? How did you
close with impact?
4. Body (3rd paragraph): Using the rubric, identify your
strengths.
5. Body (4th paragraph): Using the rubric, identify your
weaknesses.
6. Conclusion (5th paragraph): State how effective you
believe your speech was and how you will address weaknesses.
Your essay should not be longer than 1 to 2 pages.

2. Introduction
5
4
3
2
1
0
Weight
Total
Attention Getter

3. Highly effective and obvious attention getting device used.
Audience attention was clearly established. (Question,
startling statement, statistic, story)
Somewhat effective attention getting device used. Established
attention of audience.
Attention getter was adequate to gain interest of audience.
Attention getter was not adequate or effective to gain audience
attention.
Attention getter was not used.
Was not acceptable
5
4
3

4. 2
1
0
Weight
Total
Connects with audience
Topic relevance explained, adapted to occasion and audience.
Audience motivated to listen. Connect and interest of audience
obviously established.
Topic relevance explained and adapted to audience. Connect
and interest of audience established.
Topic relevance established with audience. Connection with
audience established.
Topic relevance minimally established or alluded to with
audience. No obvious connection with audience established.

5. Connection with the audience was not established.
Was not acceptable
5
4
3
2
1
0
Weight
Total

6. Presented thesis/main points
The thesis and main points were clearly stated, identified and
established for audience.
The thesis and main points were partially stated, identified and
established.
Thesis and main points were stated.
The thesis and main points were alluded to or minimally
identified for the audience.
Thesis and main points were not clearly stated, identified or
established for audience.
Was not acceptable
5
4
3

7. 2
1
0
Weight
Total
Established credibility
Clearly demonstrated an in depth knowledge, understanding
and enthusiasm for the topic. Research and delivery clearly
exhibited competency and expertise on topic.
Demonstrated working knowledge, understanding and
enthusiasm for the topic. Research and delivery showed
relevance and support.
Demonstrated basic understanding and knowledge of the topic.
Delivery and explanation of material showed competency of
research.

8. Research and competency on the topic alluded to but not
explained. Delivery and explanation of material lacked
conviction and enthusiasm for topic.
Basic knowledge and interest in the topic not evident.
Competency and research on the topic not explained or
demonstrated.
. Was not acceptable
.
Body
5
4
3
2
1

9. 0
Weight
Total
Presented appropriate number of main points
Provides an accurate and complete explanation of key points.
Key points are organized in an appropriate organization style.
Audience understanding is enhanced by organization and
explanation of material.
Provides an accurate explanation of key points. Key points are
organized in an appropriate organization style. Logical
organization is obvious to audience.
Used appropriate number of main points. Main points presented
in sufficient detail for audience understanding.
Required number of main points not presented or organizational
style not apparent. Main points not presented in sufficient
detail for audience understanding.
Required number of main pints were not presented. Points
presented did not enhance audience understanding. No obvious
organizational style utilized.

10. Was not acceptable
5
4
3
2
1
0
Weight
Total

11. Citations verbalized within speech
More than the required number of sources were correctly cited,
explained and relevance established within the speech.
Citations demonstrated in-depth research or interest in topic.
The required number of sources were correctly cited within the
speech. Relevance was assumed but not established within the
speech
The required number of sources were correctly cited during the
speech.
Less than the required number of sources were identified
during the speech. Relevance was not always obvious or
explained.
No sources were identified during the speech.
Was not acceptable
5
4

12. 3
2
1
0
Weight
Total
Followed written outline
Introduction, body and conclusion of speech followed the
written outline. Outline developed in a logical sequence to
enhance audience understanding.
Introduction, body and conclusion of speech followed the
written outline. Outline developed to enhance audience
understanding.
Introduction, body and conclusion of speech followed the
written outline.

13. Introduction, body and conclusion of speech generally followed
the written outline, or key sections were not presented as
developed in the outline.
Introduction, body and conclusion of speech did not follow the
written outline, or written outline did not contain sufficient
details of required material.
Was not acceptable
5
4
3
2
1
0

14. Weight
Total
Transitions used between points
Well defined transitions were clearly and effectively used
between introduction, all main points and conclusion.
Transitions enhanced audience understanding.
Used clear effective transitions between introduction, main
points and conclusion effectively.
Transitions were used between introduction, main points and
conclusion.
Transitions were not used between introduction, all main points
and conclusion or were minimally effective.
Transitions between introduction, main points and conclusion
were not used.
Was not acceptable

15. Overall Presentation Organization
Organization was logical and obvious to audience. Organ-
izational style was appropriate to topic and enhanced audience
understanding. Purpose was clearly developed with appropriate
supporting material.
Organizational style was appropriate to topic and audience
understanding. Purpose was developed with appropriate
supporting material for audience understanding.
Main points were obvious and sufficient supporting material
was presented for audience understanding.
Organization did not enhance audience understanding. Main
points were did not have sufficient supporting material was
audience understanding
Organization style was not appropriate to the topic, did not
supply sufficient detail or support for audience understanding.
Organization was difficult for audience to follow.
Was not acceptable
Delivery

16. 5
4
3
2
1
0
Weight
Total
Eye Contact
Establishes and maintains eye contact with audience virtually
all of the time. Eye contact enhances credibility and interest
with audience. (Refers to notes only as required)

17. Maintains eye contact with audience less than 75% of the time
during speech.
Maintains eye contact with audience less than 50% of the time
during speech
Maintains eye contact with audience less than 25% of the time
during speech
Little or no eye contact with audience during speech. Reads
speech from notes
Was not acceptable
5
4
3
2

18. 1
0
Weight
Total
Conversational delivery,
Non verbal expressions and Affect displays
Facial expressions, projection, rate, fluency, vocal expression
and articulation consistently enhanced message and audience
understanding. Non-verbals were used effectively to enhance
audience understanding. Delivery showed practice and
preparation.
Facial expressions, projection, rate, fluency, vocal expression
and articulation enhanced message and audience
understanding. Occasionally used distracting non-verbals or
affect displays. Presentation showed practice and preparation.
Facial expressions, projection, rate, fluency, vocal expression
and articulation were sufficient for audience understanding.

19. Facial expressions, projection, rate, fluency, vocal expression
and articulation were distracting to audience understanding
message. Distracting or inappropriate affect displays used.
Facial expressions, projection, rate, fluency, vocal expression
and articulation were distracting for audience understanding or
were inappropriate. Demonstrated no prior practice or
preparation.
Was not acceptable
5
4
3
2
1
0

20. Weight
Total
Posture and presence
Posture, presence in front of audience and general body
movements added to importance of topic and enhanced audience
understanding. Presence increased credibility and interest of
audience.
Posture, presence in front of audience and body movements
enhanced audience understanding
Posture, presence in front of audience and movements were
appropriate for topic and audience. Did not distract from
audience understanding.
Posture, presence in front of audience and movements
occasionally distracted from audience understanding.
Posture, presence in front of audience and overall movements
distracted from audience understanding. Were not appropriate
for the presentation.
Was not acceptable

21. 5
4
3
2
1
0
Weight
Total
Choice of language
Choice of language was specific, vivid and appropriate to
topic and audience understanding. Language maintained &

22. enhanced audience understanding and built credibility.
Choice of language was appropriate to the occasion, audience
and understanding of and topic. Maintained interest of
audience.
Choice of language was appropriate to the occasion, audience
and understanding of the topic.
Choice of language was occasionally inappropriate to the
occasion, audience and understanding of the topic. Did not
enhance understanding of the topic.
Choice of language was inappropriate to the occasion, audience
understanding and topic..
Was not acceptable
Conclusion
5
4

23. 3
2
1
0
Weight
Total
Summarized main points
Summarized main points and re-emphasized importance and
relevance of material. Connection to audience is re-established.
Summarized main points and re-emphasized importance and
relevance of material.
Summarizes main points presented in the speech.
Main points were alluded to or partially re-stated or
summarized.

24. Main points were not summarized.
Was not acceptable
5
4
3
2
1
0
Weight
Total

25. Memorable conclusion
Alerts the audience that speech is concluding. Memorable and
outstanding thoughts and relevance is delivered. Offers definite
conclusion to presentation.
Alerts audience of speech conclusion. Offers definite
conclusion to the presentation. Highlights main points. Closes
speech.
Alerts audience that speech is concluding. Offers concluding
statement. Closes speech.
Does not alert audience that speech is concluding. No
memorable conclusion offered. Concludes speech.
No definite conclusion or closure to speech. Audience is
unsure of speech conclusion.
Was not acceptable
5

26. 4
3
2
1
0
Weight
Total
Within timing constraints
With specified timing constraints
Within 10% to 20% of specified timing constraints
Within 21% to 30% of specified timing constraints
Within 31% to 50% of specified timing constraints

27. Exceeded 50% of specified timing constraints
Was not acceptable
Documentation/Support Material
5
4
3
2
1
0
Weight
Total

28. Appropriate topic selection
Topic focused specifically for particular audience. Creative,
informative adapted to specific audience.
Appropriate and reasonably focused on this audience.
Additional relevance could have been developed.
Topic is clear to this audience. Met assignment requirements.
Topic lacks clarity and focus for specific audience. Not
developed or adapted to audience.
Topic inappropriate or not developed for audience
Was not acceptable
5
4

29. 3
2
1
0
Weight
Total
Outline
Outline demonstrated a detailed understanding of the topic.
Main points and supporting points were clear and logically
developed. Detail was clear, precise and easy to understand.
Outline used the specified format
Outline demonstrated a detailed understanding of the topic.
Main points and supporting points were clear and logically
developed.
Outline used the specified format

30. Adequately detailed and typed outline was delivered before the
speech. Outline used the specified format.
Outline was not typed, delivered on time or did not meet the
assignment requirements.
Outline used was not in the specified format
No outline received .
Was not acceptable
5
4
3
2
1

31. 0
Weight
Total
Met research requirements
Required number of research sources were cited in the
appropriate style. Additional sources were developed to
enhance audience understanding and interest in topic.
Citations were delivered within the required time frame.
Required number of research sources were cited in the
appropriate style. Additional sources were developed to
enhance audience understanding of topic. Citations were
delivered within the required time frame.
Required number of research sources were cited in the
appropriate style within the required time frame.
Required number of research sources were cited, but were not
in the appropriate style or in the required time frame.
Required number of research sources were not cited in the
appropriate style or were not delivered within the specified
time frame.

32. Was not acceptable
5
4
3
2
1
0
Weight
Total
Audio/Visual Aids

33. Audio/Visual aids significantly enhanced audience
understanding of the topic. Media was integrated and used
well within speech.
Audio/Visual aids suited for audience and speech. Media could
have been better integrated and used within the speech.
Audio/Visual aids met the requirements of the assignment.
Audio/Visual aids were not well suited for the speech. Use of
material was not practiced and well integrated into speech.
No audio/visual aids developed for presentation.
Was not acceptable
2015