Presentation Criteria




expectations

penalization


Language

vocabulary correctness

correct use

1

mistakes that impede understanding

0


vocabulary range

a variety of words that reflect important differences in ideas

1

word choice too simplistic to convey important differences

0


register

precise, professional language appropriate for the audience and situation

1

excessive use of slang or vague, casual language ("like", "stuff", “thing”), or clichés ("in my
humble opinion")

0


grammar range

use of more complex structures (relative clauses, variety of verb tenses, modals)

1

limited range of structures

0


grammar accuracy

correct use

1

mistakes that impede understanding

0


spelling in the visuals

correct spelling in slides

1

spelling mistakes (2 or more in the body, 1 or more in the title)

0


pronunciation / intonation

clear and pleasing; standard pronunciation of key words; accented correctly; loud enough for the
audience to understand

1

mistakes that impede understanding; key words mispronounced; mumbling

0


fluency

a natural, unbroken "flow" and rhythm

1

unnecessary pauses; monotone; distracting fillers ("um, well, so")

0

Task

topic selection

presents a specific problem / question / issue which is relevant to the audience

1

general overview of a broad field ("Sigmund Freud"; "Brno History")

0


topic coverage

content fulfills the promise of the title and purpose statement; reflects thoughtful analysis

1

not getting what we expect; superficial, "first-page Wikipedia" content

0


appropriate focus on/explanation of key terms

explains unfamiliar terms/concepts essential for understanding the topic

1

complex terms not explained; too much time spent on very basic concepts

0


engaging the audience

presenter involves the audience (e.g. asking questions; humor) and is aware of their needs

1

no attempt to connect to audience or develop rapport; no adapting to their needs

0


title development

at least 5 words; captures the purpose and tone of the presentation; catches attention

1

less than 5 words; simply names the topic, does not express a problem / issue

0


non-text presentation aids

audio / visual elements which support the main points (e.g. photos; videos; music samples, if
relevant)

1

only text; no samples of the relevant work if the topic is visual or auditory

0


clear and balanced visuals

minimal text, arranged well on slides; visuals are referred to directly ("As you can see…")

1

too much text; inconsistent formatting; designs that hurt the eyes; pointless visuals

0


body language

appropriate gestures, confident posture, eye contact

1

reading directly off of notes; distracting gestures; looking down only

0


sources - choice and attributing

well-chosen sources; crucial sources for facts/photos clearly referenced throughout the
presentation

1

only 1 source, no academic source, no English language source, no credit given to source

0


timing

6-8 minutes long

1

under 8 minutes or over 12 minutes

0

Organization

opening

makes the purpose and relevance of the presentation clear ("This is important because...")

1

merely gives an outline of the presentation without stating purpose/relevance

0


conclusion/closing

ties up loose threads of argument and gives the audience a memorable "takeaway" point

1

merely restates the outline of the presentation; ends abruptly ("That's all.")

0


efficiency / economy

saying things once, effectively, memorably

1

redundancy; repetition

0


sign-posting language / cohesion

appropriate transitional phrases which logically and smoothly connect the parts of presentation

1

moving to the next part suddenly without logical connections

0


coherence

the parts of the presentation proceed in a logical order

1

no clear direction or organizing principle, audience/presenter get "lost"

0

TOTAL



23