Public Speaking Progression.xlsx

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K
1	Trait & Grade	TK	K	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th
2	Volume & Clarity	Uses voice to express wants/needs; may speak in front of familiar adults briefly	Speaks clearly in show-and-tell or circle time	Projects voice to be heard across a room	Speaks clearly with increased projection	Voice is audible and expressive	Uses tone and volume to match message	Dynamic voice; uses emphasis for impact	Speaks with professional tone and control	Voice adjusts to message and context	Professional quality speaking voice
3	Eye Contact	Looks toward teacher or familiar adult when speaking	Makes some eye contact with audience	Looks at audience occasionally	Maintains consistent eye contact	Good eye contact with audience across room	Eye contact with entire room	Connects with audience through eye contact	Maintains engagement through intentional eye contact	Strategic use of eye contact to emphasize ideas	Sustained, confident eye contact with varied audience
4	Body Language	May fidget; learning to sit or stand still	Learns to stand/sit facing audience	Starts to use gestures intentionally	Uses gestures and facial expressions to support meaning	Controlled posture and movement	Purposeful body movement; avoids distracting habits	Incorporates purposeful gestures and stance	Poised, intentional use of body language	Movement adds presence; supports communication	Confident posture; expressive gestures reinforce meaning
5	Pacing	Speaks quickly or slowly; pacing not intentional	Begins to use more natural pacing with reminders	Uses appropriate pacing with teacher modeling	Speaks at a steady, appropriate pace	Smooth pacing without rushing	Well-paced with pauses for effect	Confident and consistent pacing throughout	Pacing shows mastery and intention	Uses silence and pacing for effect	Purposeful rhythm and pacing throughout speech
6	Audience Awareness	Not yet aware of audience needs	May shift topic without awareness of audience understanding	Begins to explain ideas to peers	Considers what peers might not understand	Adjusts explanation based on audience reaction	Anticipates audience questions or confusion	Tailors message to audience background	Reads and reacts to audience feedback	Engages audience with relevance and tone	Persuasive and adaptive to audience needs
7	Preparation	Participates in group recitations or chants	Practices a short sentence or phrase	Prepares a short presentation with teacher support	Practices presentation multiple times	Prepares with written notes or cue cards	Practices independently and makes revisions	Rehearses and adapts for time or format	Practices delivery with minimal notes	Prepares independently and seeks feedback	Plans, refines, and rehearses with autonomy
8	Content Organization	Tells simple ideas or experiences out of order	Tells about a single event with some order	Has a beginning, middle, and end	Presents ideas in logical order with transitions	Includes an introduction and conclusion	Organizes speech with strong transitions	Well-developed, logical flow of ideas	Creates cohesive arguments or narratives	Organizes complex ideas with transitions and signposting	Structured speech with layered ideas and clear purpose
9	Visual Aids	N/A	May show an object or drawing	Uses simple visuals or props	Creates basic posters or digital slides	Uses visuals to reinforce key points	Designs visuals to clarify or enhance ideas	Polished visuals; integrates with talk	Visuals enhance and are used fluently	Uses advanced tools (e.g., media, charts)	Seamless integration of visuals and media
10	Response to Questions	N/A	May answer simple yes/no questions	Answers basic follow-up questions	Responds to 1-2 questions with teacher guidance	Handles Q&A with short, clear answers	Responds to questions with elaboration	Handles multiple or challenging questions	Responds thoughtfully and stays on message	Handles follow-up questions with evidence and poise	Responds flexibly with composure and depth
11	Confidence	May need adult encouragement to speak in group	Beginning to speak in front of class with support	Shows growing comfort in classroom presentations	Begins to show poise in front of peers	Demonstrates calm and interest while speaking	Appears self-assured and knowledgeable	Speaks with confidence and composure	Shows strong self-awareness as a speaker	Speaks with authority and enthusiasm	Commanding presence; inspires audience confidence