A This presentation is a solid, creative, well-organized communication on an appropriate topic that is totally suited to the needs of the particular audience. It has a discernible and appealing structure, memorable content, and engaging presentation. Transitions are smooth and the speaker avoids verbal distractors, inappropriate language, or grammatical mistakes; is audible and clear; and makes positive eye- and rhetorical contact with all members of the audience. The speaker manages her/his time well. Visual aids, if used, are well-designed, appropriate for the audience, and thoroughly integrated into the presentation. Handouts are well-chosen, free of error, and used effectively. The speaker projects knowledge, confidence, and self-possession. The presentation prompts questions and discussion. This presentation would be totally acceptable in a professional situation.

B This presentation lacks some of the verve and confidence of the A presentation but is still well-suited to its audience. The topic is appropriate if not noteworthy; the organization is strong, although it may not be projected as smoothly or discernibly; the content is complete if less persuasively presented; and the speaker makes a degree of contact with all members of the audience. The speaker avoids verbal distractors, inappropriate language, and grammatical mistakes, and may have some trouble with time limits, but is audible and clear. The question inspires some questions. Transitions are more obvious but still present. Visual aids, if used, are well-designed but may not be integrated as smoothly or thoroughly into the presentation. Handouts may be less polished but still support the speaker. The speaker may seem slightly less sure of his/her authority. The presentation is not as memorable, but would be acceptable in a professional situation.

C This presentation is complete but hardly memorable. The speaker shows some lack of confidence or knowledge, or may not connect with parts (or all) of the audience, or may have trouble maintaining a clear and/or audible flow of words. The organization and content are pedestrian, requiring little effort on the audience’s part, and the presentation inspires few if any questions. The flow may be disjointed or missing. Visual aids may belabor the obvious; handouts may merely repeat the visual aids, or contain errors or inaccuracies. The speaker avoids most verbal distractors, inappropriate language, and grammatical mistakes, but is definitely not polished and mature in presentation. The audience may concentrate at first, but then lose interest. The speaker may mismanage the allotted time. The presentation would be marginally acceptable (but not memorable or praiseworthy) in a professional situation.

D The presentation suffers from one or more of the following weaknesses: serious problems in time management; inappropriate or insufficient content; poor suitability to the audience; indications that insufficient preparation time was spent; missing or misused handouts or visual aids; grammatical mistakes; inappropriate language; frequent verbal distractors; obvious evidence of nervousness; mumbling or inaudibility; faulty or missing organization; or insufficient audience contact and engagement. Handouts, PowerPoints, or visual aids may contain errors or inaccuracies, or be poorly handled by the speaker. The presentation would not be acceptable in a professional situation.

F The presentation is totally unacceptable for one or more of the following reasons: complete inaudibility or indecipherability; poor time management; substantive problems in organization, content, audience connection, or presentation; poor or incorrect grammar or language choices. The presenter may obviously be "winging it." Handouts or visual aids may have been forgotten. It must be recast entirely for a professional situation.