Persuasive Presentation Rubric
English Career Communications · Final Project · 25 Percent Of Grade

Persuasive Presentation Rubric

___
OF 100
Name
Topic
Date
Ethos · Trust Pathos · Feeling Logos · Reason Each row describes full marks. Circle one score per row.
The Opening SUBTOTAL ____ OF 20
Hook
Pathos
A vivid story, striking statistic, or bold question grabs attention instantly and sets the stakes.
02468
Speaker role
Ethos
Your role and credentials make you the right person to speak on this topic.
01456
Target audience
Pathos
A specific audience is named, with their stakes, needs, and likely objections acknowledged.
01234
Thesis
Logos
One clear sentence states exactly what you argue or propose.
012
The Case SUBTOTAL ____ OF 30
Problem definition
Logos
The who, what, where, when, and how, with data that makes it feel real and urgent.
036810
Solution quality
Logos
Clear, feasible, directly addresses the problem, and anticipates objections.
036810
Supporting evidence
Logos
Multiple credible types, data, benchmarks, case studies, expert sources, tied directly to claims and cited.
02468
Organization
Logos
Logical flow from problem to solution, transitions guide the audience.
012
The Close SUBTOTAL ____ OF 10
Summary
Logos
A crisp recap reinforces urgency without repeating content word for word.
01234
Call to action
Pathos
Specific and emotionally compelling. The audience knows exactly what to do, and why it matters to them.
01356
The Delivery SUBTOTAL ____ OF 30
Vocal delivery
Ethos
Volume, pacing, inflection, and pauses under control. The voice commands the room.
02468
Enthusiasm
Ethos
Genuine energy that shifts naturally with the weight of each moment.
01356
Persuasive rhetoric
Logos
Three or more techniques with clear intent: questions, rule of three, repetition, analogy.
01356
Eye contact
Ethos
Natural and distributed. Never reading from notes, a script, or the slides.
01234
Gestures, posture
Ethos
Purposeful gestures reinforce key points, standing beside the screen like a guide, open posture.
0123
Professionalism
Ethos
Polished, fully appropriate professional appearance that enhances credibility.
0123
The Slides SUBTOTAL ____ OF 10
Design and clarity
Logos
Consistent, minimal text, clear fonts and colors. The slides support you, they do not replace you.
01345
Visuals and data
Pathos
Purposeful images, charts, and data reinforce key arguments, clearly labeled with sources.
01345
Final comments
On the clock
4 to 5 minutes. Late arrival, minus 5 percent. Missing the other question day, minus 15 percent. Originality, minus 15 percent for content that was never asked for and does not belong here.
Matthew Clement · CAREERCOMMS.COMEnglish Career Communications