Grading Interpretation

Clarity of voice; diction

How clearly you speak can really color our impression of you. Good speakers use good diction:

Make sure you pronounce words correctly.
Use good articulation--mouth mechanics--and enunciation: sounding words crisply and distinctly.
Avoid swallowing the ends of words and phrases.
Really use the vocal warm-ups to prepare.

Note	Symbol Key:	Interpretation
! =	SUPERIOR	Your distinct, robust speaking style made a strong impression on us.
+ =	EFFECTIVE	You used a good, clear speaking voice that was easily understood and enhanced your credibility.
+ =	PROBLEMATIC	Be careful of swallowing words, sloppy diction and ending phrases with a tense and gravelly voice. Crisp enunciation and diction lends credibility to the speaker.
– =	DETRIMENTAL	You had a lazy approach to diction. We missed too many words and ends of phrases. It made your speech more difficult to listen to and made a poor impression on us. Next time, take the vocal warm-ups more seriously and spend more time rehearsing out-loud.
TRAILOFF	ENDINGS TRAILED OFF	The ends of sentences and phrases tended to trail off; be sure to keep vocal support strong.
GRAVEL	GRAVEL PIT	Endings of phrases trailed off far back into your throat and were too gravelly; pay attention to vocal warm-ups and strive for a clear, robust speaking voice.
VERBCLUT	VERBAL CLUTTER	Overall, you used too many "um...'s" and "uh...'s" as verbal fillers for your thoughts. Try to be silent when you need to collect your thoughts. Try to reduce your use of verbalized pauses next time.