Informative Speech Scoring Guide Category4321 Body language and rate of speech Uses positive body language including movement and gestures to aid in understanding. No hands on hips or in pockets and no distractions like gum or other behaviors. Rate of speech is natural. Uses positive body language almost the entire speech including movement and gestures to aid in understanding. No hands on hips or in pockets and no distractions like gum or other behaviors. Rate of speech is natural. Uses positive body language almost the entire speech including movement and gestures to aid in understanding. Uses some negative behaviors as well. Rate of speech may be a little rushed or too slow. Not all speech is clear. Uses more negative than positive behaviors. Rate of speech may be a little rushed or too slow. Not all speech is clear. Audience Demonstrates a clear understanding of the potential listener and uses appropriate vocabulary and arguments. Anticipates reader’s questions and provides thorough answers appropriate for that audience. Demonstrates a general understanding of the potential listener and uses vocabulary and arguments appropriate for that audience. Demonstrates some understanding of the potential listener and uses arguments appropriate for that audience. It is not clear who is the intended audience. Attention-getter The first sentence captures the audience’s attention in a creative and appropriate way for the topic to be discussed. The first sentence attempts to capture the audience’s attention in appropriate way for the topic to be discussed. The first sentence does not capture the audience’s attention, but it does introduce the topic in a logical way. The first sentence does not capture the audience’s attention, and it does not introduce the topic. Supporting details Includes 3 or more reasons (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the topic. The writer anticipates the reader’s concerns, biases, or arguments and has provided at least 1 counter- argument. Includes 3 or more reasons (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the topic. Includes 2 reasons (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the topic. Includes 1 or fewer reasons (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the topic. Organization and Sequencing There is a logical order that makes it easy to follow. Sentence and paragraph structure is complete and well- written. Support is provided in a fairly logical order that makes it reasonably easy to follow the author’s train of thought. Sentence and paragraph structure is generally correct. A few of the support detail are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the speech seem a little confusing. Sentence and paragraph structure problems are present. Many of the support details are not in an expected or logical order, distracting and confusing the listener. Sentence and paragraph structure problems are present. Mechanics and grammar Contains no spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Contains several errors in punctuation, spelling, or grammar that do not interfere with meaning. Contains many punctuation, spelling, and/or grammatical errors that interfere with meaning. Contains many punctuation, spelling, and/or grammatical errors that make the piece confusing. Closing The closing sentence leaves the reader with something important to think about regarding the topic. It does so in a creative way. The closing sentence leaves the reader with something important to think about regarding the topic. The closing sentence is not special; instead it is just another fact about the product.