OVERALL

CONTENT: Consider topic, ideas, thesis, structure

1 - Beginning: States the topic and minimally adheres to it. Inadequate content. Confusing or little structure. Contact Tournament Administration for concerns regarding content not aligned with the NCFCA mission.

2 - Developing: States the topic and somewhat adheres to it. Unclear links from thesis to content. Some structure with transitions.

3 - Capable: States the topic and adheres to it with logical or creative ideas. Clear structure with transitions for introduction, conclusion, and points.

4 - Proficient: Closely adheres to the stated topic with well-reasoned analysis. Engaging introduction and conclusion with balanced points and smooth transitions.

5 - Excellent: States the topic and develops a compelling or convincing thesis. Insightful ideas. Elegant structure. Memorable impact.

Academic Integrity: Consider credibility through the ownership of ideas

1 - Beginning: Minimal or ineffective support. Missing or unclear verbal citations when needed.

2 - Developing: Some support with verbal citations that may not be clearly linked to the material.

3 - Capable: Adequately linked verbal citations for non-original examples, research, stories, etc., reasonable for the limited preparation event.

4 - Proficient: Consistent use of supporting material, examples, and clear verbal citations when needed.

5 - Excellent: Outstanding variety and depth of support, examples, and clear citations when needed, indicative of great preparation and quick-thinking.

Vocal Delivery: Consider articulation, pronunciation, volume, rate, pitch, style, tone

1 - Beginning: Mumbling, halting, or lack of vocal energy. Mispronunciations. Minimum vocal variation or inappropriate volume, rate, pitch or tone.

2 - Developing: Some mumbling, mispronunciation, or halting speech. Inconsistent effectiveness of volume, rate, and/or articulation that needs continued practice.

3 - Capable: Generally accurate articulation and pronunciation. Sincere style with vocal variation appropriate for the content. Minimal distractions.

4 - Proficient: Overall command of energy, volume, rate, and articulation that enhances the content. Winsome, conversational style, without distractions.

5 - Excellent: Powerful, memorable. and/or highly impactful vocal style. Expert vocal variation and control that magnifies the message.

Physical Delivery: Consider poise, professionalism, movement, gestures, eye contact, face

1 - Beginning: Nervous or stiff manner. Distracting, habitual movements (e.g. tapping, pacing, swaying). Minimum eye contact.

2 - Developing: Inconsistent physical control or poise. Moments of distracting movements with the face, hands, body, or use of space.

3 - Capable: Poised, effective use of body and space. Good posture and energy. Generally appropriate gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions.

4 - Proficient: Confident, professional control of posture, gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions to engage the audience.

5 - Excellent: Compelling, masterful use of space, movement, gestures, and expression that enthrall the audience.

Note: In an actual tournament, you will rank the competitors in your room. While the system automatically assigns rankings based on the scores you give, ties may occur. In those cases, you are responsible for breaking the ties and assigning a clear ranking order.