When making a presentation the student presenter should be striving to achieve four basic skills or objectives; Poise and Focus, Eye Contact , Projection and Diction , and Pace. For maximum effectiveness, any presentation should have two showings. After a first showing of a presentation the teacher should give notes stating which skills or objectives need the most work.  The teacher may want to use the Presentation Assessment sheet for that purpose.  Assessment on a second showing should be based on the presenter’s ability to improve on the skills and objectives noted by the teacher at the first showing.

If there is not enough time to have two showings of a presentation, students should be reminded of their presentation objectives and should be expected to come closer and closer to mastery every time they present anything in class.

Please note that students should receive a separate assessment for presentation and a different assessment for their preparation of the material presented.

When a presentation is being made the rest of the class should be watching and noting whether the below objectives are being met. All evaluation should be presented positively. This can be done orally or eventually (after students are comfortable with positive criticism) on "stickie" notes that can be collected for later reflection by the presenter.

Below you will find a listing of objective with specific physical goals that can be met and a separate listing of the objectives in rubric form that should be used to assess every presentation made in class. This can be one of the most valuable tools for presenters. If actors can see what works or doesn’t work in other people’s work, they will use that knowledge in their own work.

Poise and Focus: The presenter must stay focused at all times. There should be no fidgeting or looking around. Posture should be good with no leaning. The cardinal sin of any presenter is GIGGLING. Giggling does not reflect sense of humor but is a clear manifestation of nervousness and lack of focus.

Eye Contact: The audience should always be able to see the presenter’s eyes. This means that in non-memorized pieces if the presenter must look down quickly to remind him or her of the text but must have eyes up when speaking the text. Focus should be on a fixed point above the audience.

Projection and Diction: The student should be able to be heard clearly from the back of the classroom. Every student is capable of this but they may need to practice, as with any skill. If a microphone is being used, the presenter should keep the microphone 4-5 inches from his or her mouth and be careful not to turn away. Consonants must be pronounced clearly and crisply.

Pace: While a presenter is presenting, the pace should be comfortable but never too fast. The presenter should attempt to use good tempo and vocal energy to emphasize importance and to engage the audience.