UVA Martin Luther King Jr What Is Your Life’s Blueprint Speech Critique

Speech Critique 

These are important questions to ask yourself when assessing a presentation.

1. Is there a three part speech outline? (Past, Present and Future)
2. How did the speaker gain the attention of the audience?
3. How did the speaker relate the topic to the audience?
4. What was the thesis statement of the speech?
5. What were the main points? List them.
6. How well did the speaker use supporting material?  Give examples.
7. Was the presentation focused? i.e. Did all arguments, stories, anecdotes relate back to the primary objective?
8. Were examples or statistics provided to support the arguments?
9. Were metaphors and symbolism use to improve understanding?
10. Was the speech organized logically? Was it easy to follow?
11. Did the speaker bridge smoothly from one part of the presentation to the next?
12. Discuss the speakeràconclusion.  How well did s/he summarize the main theme? Did the speaker review the major points? To what extent was the conclusion creative?
13. Discuss the speakeràuse of language.  Was it clear, concise, creative?
14. Discuss the speakeràdelivery (e.g. eye contact, gestures, vocal variety, etc.)
15. In what parts of the speech could the speaker have improved this presentation?
16. How can the audience use the information provided?
17. Describe a more prosperous future, one that can be realized if the audience is persuaded to action.
18. What type of effect did this speech have on you?
19. Did you notice yourself reacting in non-verbal ways? Give examples.
20. What type of speech is this?