Presentation Rubric
In a professional career, one may be called upon to conduct research and deliver findings in professional settings. No matter how extensive the research or
accurate the conclusions, a weak presentation can undermine an argument. A presentation is a tool to assist in making an argument. When creating
presentations, students develop skills in researching an issue, synthesizing the information, organizing data logically, and presenting findings in an effective
manner.
Principles of an Effective Presentation:
● You may utilize a product such as Microsoft’s PowerPoint or Google Presentation to create your presentation.
● There are various template designs that you can find on the web for your presentation. However, first consider your presentation from the perspective
of your audience prior to selecting a specific style. Distracting backgrounds, large blocks of text, all uppercase fonts, elaborate font styles, grammatical
errors, and misspellings are distracting. Be consistent with the style of text, bullets, and sub-points in order to support a powerful presentation that
allows your content to be the focus.
● Each slide should include your key point(s). Do not place large blocks of text on the visual. Your presentation is not a means of presenting a short paper.
In an actual presentation you would not “read” from your slides but rather use them as prompts.
● Any notes or narration you would use in delivering this presentation to a group should be listed in the “notes” section of the slide.
● References should be listed at the bottom of the slide in slightly smaller text.
● Use clip art, AutoShapes, pictures, charts, tables, and diagrams to enhance but not overwhelm your content.
● Be mindful of the intended audience and seek to assess the presentation’s effectiveness by gauging audience comprehension (when possible).
Below are some links that offer helpful tips and examples for developing your presentations:
● Making PowerPoint Slides
● Really Bad PowerPoint
● 10 PowerPoint Presentation Tips
Guidelines for Submission: When applicable, discipline-appropriate citations must be used.
See the next page for the Individual Presentation Rubric.
Individual Presentation Rubric
Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (90%) Needs Improvement (70%) Not Evident (0%) Value
Content: Inquiry and
Analysis
Includes almost all of the main
elements and requirements;
provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of multiple
concepts
Includes most of the main
elements and requirements;
provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of some
concepts
Includes some of the main
elements and requirements;
provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of minimal
concepts
Does not include any of the
main elements and
requirements; does not provide
in-depth analysis
25
Organization Slides are organized in a logical
way that complements the
central theme; transitions are
well-paced to create a natural
and engaging flow
Slides are organized in a logical
way and transitions are paced
so that the material is easily
accessible
Slides are organized mostly in a
logical way and transitions are
paced so that the material can
be understood with focus and
effort
Slides are organized in a way
that is illogical OR transitions
are paced so that the material
cannot be understood
20
Critical Thinking Draws insightful conclusions
that are thoroughly defended
with evidence and examples
Draws informed conclusions
that are justified with evidence
Draws logical conclusions, but
does not defend with evidence
Does not draw logical
conclusions
25
Visual Appeal There is a consistent visual
theme that helps enhance
understanding of the ideas;
includes multiple types of
media
Original images are created
using proper size and resolution
that enhance the content;
includes more than one type of
media
Visually depicts topic and
assists audience; images are
proper size and resolution
Graphics are unrelated to
content and cross over each
other. Distracting, busy, and
detract from presentation
20
Narration
(Research/Writing)
Mechanics and style ensure
clarity. Incorporates multiple
properly cited scholarly
resources
Mechanics and style promote
clarity. Incorporates some
properly cited scholarly
resources
Mechanics and style make
narration intelligible.
Incorporates very few properly
cited scholarly resources
Several mechanical errors OR
does not incorporate scholarly
resources
10
Earned Total 100%
