Speech Evaluation

Worksheet Description

The worksheet is designed to facilitate the evaluation of speeches delivered by two different candidates. By focusing on specific elements of speech such as claim, point of view, evidence, ideas and emphasis, and tone, users can break down and critically assess each candidate’s rhetoric and presentation. This comparison allows for a detailed side-by-side analysis of the two speeches. At the end, the worksheet also prompts users to decide which candidate they believe delivered the more compelling speech and to explain their reasoning.

To utilize this worksheet effectively, students should start by carefully listening to or reading the speeches of the two candidates in their entirety. As they engage with each speech, they should take notes on the specific elements listed on the worksheet, documenting the main claims, the evidence provided, the overall tone, and other aspects for both candidates. After thoroughly dissecting the speeches based on the given criteria, students can then fill out the worksheet, providing succinct summaries or key points in the respective columns for Candidate #1 and Candidate #2. Finally, after reflecting on the comparative analysis, students should answer the concluding question, justifying their choice for the better speech based on their evaluations.

This worksheet aims to inculcate in students a critical approach to consuming and analyzing spoken content. It equips them with the tools to dissect speeches methodically, focusing on both the content and the delivery. By comparing and contrasting two different speakers, students learn to discern nuances in rhetoric and presentation, understanding that speeches can vary significantly in their effectiveness and persuasiveness. The exercise also encourages reflective thinking, as students must not only document their findings but also formulate a reasoned opinion on which candidate’s speech was more impactful and why.