Skill (Score between 1-5 for speaker points)

Explanation of Skill to be Demonstrated

Cutting

1 2 3 4 5

Organization of ideas/plot:

Is the storyline easy to follow and understandable?

Is the central theme/argument to be made in the Interpretation clear and developed throughout the piece?

Originality

Does the speaker address a significant topic in a unique, inventive way?

Relatability

Can the audience relate to the topic? Is the delivery personable? Is the rhetoric of the piece inclusive/appropriate for age level?

IF A POI also consider

Were at least two of the three genres of literature (Poetry/Prose/Drama) used in the program?

Did all of the literature contribute to the theme or argument?

Was there a balance among genres in the performance?

Characterization

1 2 3 4 5

Is each character well-developed and relatable?

Does a character’s response seem believable given the situation being portrayed?

Did the selection(s) have distinct and engaging characters?

Did the performance match the genre ( did the performer emphasize poetic elements when performing a Poetry selection, Humorous, Dramatic)?

Blocking/ Movement

1 2 3 4 5

Can you tell what the performer is doing in the scene and what character they are playing?

Is the movement motivated by clear objectives/purpose?

IF POI also consider:

Did the performer maintain control of the manuscript/Binder at all times?

Physical Presence/

Presentation

1 2 3 4 5

Is the presenter comfortable and commanding in the space?

Does the presenter’s use of physicality, facial expression, and gestures enhance the performance?

Does the presenter bring the words to life using effective techniques to convey appropriate emotion?

Vocal Presentation

1 2 3 4 5

Tone:

Does the performer's voice align with the type of story/theme/genre?

Does the presenter seem engaged in the literature?

Articulation:

Are the words clearly articulated and understood?

Is volume/pace/inflection appropriately used throughout and effective in articulating the emotion of the text?