Rubric for Orator's Evaluation
Selection
-
Intellectual Understanding: Is the structure of the selection conducive to interpretation? Does the performer demonstrate emotional and aesthetic merit?
Historical/Creative Significance: Does the selection represent a thoughtful review of the breath of African American, Afro-Caribbean, African, social/human/civil rights experience, or creativity?
Diction
-
Vocal Variety/Contrast: Does the voice show variations in rate, speed mood? Were transitions smooth and in keeping with total message?
-
Tempo: Were time, pauses and hesitations used properly? Were emphasis and sub-climaxes acknowledged with associated speed-up speech? Was the pace set in keeping with the author's intent?
Articulation/Projections:
-
Voice: Was there clearness, correctness, and effectiveness in choice and expression of words?
-
Vocabulary: Did performer demonstrate a full command of the language in the piece and master complexities of vocabulary, pronunciation, and context?
Projection / Non-Verbals:
-
Stage Presence: Does performer manipulate floor space appropriately to dispense the full effect of the selections? Does performer appear comfortable and well adapted to the space?
-
Animation: Is the presentation performed appropriately to the tone of selection? Was animation appropriate or over dramatized?
-
Bodily Actions: Were gesture, stance and facial expression supportive and emphasize the verbal content of the speech or did these detract and call undue attention.
Overall Effectiveness:
-
Overall delivery, presentation and command of the piece, effectiveness, articulation, and stage presence.