Author Speech Rubric
Author's Day Speech Rubric
Total Score ______ / 30
Student Name ____________________________________
Author _____________________________
Date ____________________
Criterion & Points
Advanced
Proficient
Minimal
Depth of Knowledge of Author
10 Points Max
Score: _____ / 10
9–10 Points
Demonstrates thorough, comprehensive knowledge of author’s biography, historical era, major works, and central themes; explains connections effortlessly without relying on notes.
7–8 Points
Demonstrates clear, accurate knowledge of key biographical events and principal writings; presents accurate details with occasional, brief glances at presentation notes.
1–6 Points
Demonstrates superficial or incomplete author knowledge; omits significant milestones; relies heavily on reading directly from notes with noticeable inaccuracies.
Eye Contact & Vocal Projection
7 Points Max
Score: _____ / 7
7 Points
Maintains steady, natural eye contact across the entire room; projects voice clearly and dynamically with excellent volume heard comfortably by every listener.
5–6 Points
Maintains consistent eye contact with most listeners; voice projection is generally audible and steady, with occasional drops in volume or brief gaze down.
1–4 Points
Rarely makes eye contact, looking down or away; speaks too softly or mumbles, making it difficult for the audience to follow or comprehend the speech.
Comfort with Knowledge & Projection
7 Points Max
Score: _____ / 7
7 Points
Exhibits complete composure, poise, and natural confidence; blends factual recall with vocal delivery seamlessly; handles pauses with calm assurance.
5–6 Points
Appears comfortable and prepared overall with minor hesitation; recovers quickly from momentary pauses; sustains good posture and delivery rhythm.
1–4 Points
Appears noticeably anxious or unprepared; exhibits frequent stops, nervous mannerisms, or rushed delivery that interferes with speech clarity and composure.
Appropriate Vocabulary & Fluency
6 Points Max
Score: _____ / 6
6 Points
Integrates precise literary terminology and mature vocabulary; speech flows smoothly and expressively with natural pacing and no noticeable filler words.
4–5 Points
Uses clear, appropriate grade-level language and relevant literary terms; speech is predominantly fluent with only occasional hesitations or minor fillers.
1–3 Points
Uses repetitive, vague, or inaccurate vocabulary; delivery is halting, disjointed, or heavily saturated with filler words that disrupt listener engagement.
Depth of Knowledge _____ / 10
Eye Contact & Projection _____ / 7
Comfort & Delivery _____ / 7
Vocabulary & Fluency _____ / 6
Evaluator Feedback & Observations
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