DELIVERING A SPEECH & DEBATING - CHECKLIST

Before the speech/debate

Have you researched the topic?
Is the topic clear? Are the objectives of the debate clear?
Have you set some initial questions so that you know what you’re
looking for?
Have you organised your speech in a logical sequence?
Have you selected appropriate Linking Words to
Have you used some rhetorical devices that catch the audience’ s
attention?
Have you prepared some cue card with the topics you would like to
raise?
Have you rehearsed?

During the speech/debate

Use your notes but do not rely too heavily on them. Do not memorise your speech.
Reading is not an option.

Assessment Criteria – Individual Performance

Audibility, presence, rapport with audience, a coherently presented argument and
demonstration of the ability to think on your feet.

(i) Substance/contents: Total marks: 100

Your Final
The speech should hold the audience’s attention and be clearly m m
1-2-
a a
structured r r
k k
Was the structure of your argument clear?
Were the arguments clearly stated?
Were the arguments conveniently explored? (examples and/or
illustrations)
Was the sequence logical and/or clear to the listener?
Were the arguments balanced?
Was there a logical conclusion?
Was a wide range of vocabulary used? Was there correct
choice of words?
Was language well developed with no or minimal errors?
Did you unmistakeably reveal knowledge of the subject?

(ii) Style and technique Total marks: 100

Your Final
m m
1-2-
Delivery and posture a a
r r
k k
(Verbal technique) Was there effective use of rhetorical
devices?
(e.g. metaphor, analogy, questions)
(Non verbal technique) Were the following adequate?
- eye contact, gesture, volume and tone of voice, pitch
and rate

(iiii) Ability to deal with questions Total marks: 100

Your Final
m m
1-2-
Delivery and posture a a
r r
k k
Did you paraphrase the question?
Were brief and to the point?
 Did you deal with the question effectively? (Were doubts
cleared?)

(iv) General effectiveness Total marks: 100

Your Final
m m
1-2-
a a
r r
k k
Did you achieve the overall objectives of the speech?
Were you able to communicate thought and emotion?