Storytellng Rubric
Directions: Storytelling can help people relate to one another, form bonds and establish trust through shared experiences. Storytelling is also more than just the words someone uses to describe the events and includes a variety of elements. When people are learning to tell stories effectively, having a scale to rate their effectiveness can be helpful to improve their skills. Use the rubric below to review your abilities and give feedback to others.
| Category | Developing | Proficient | Accomplished |
| Voice | May speak too softly or too rapidly and mumbles occasionally. Incorrect pronunciation of some words or does not explain unfamiliar words. | Usually speaks loudly, slowly, and clearly. Storyteller has a distinct voice. Correct pronunciation and does not explain unfamiliar words. | Always speaks at the right volume for the setting, slowly and clearly, has a distinct voice. Storyteller has correct pronunciation and explains unfamiliar words, acronyms or jargon. |
| Content | Some of the story is developmentally appropriate for the audience. The content is not appropriate for the setting or content not written at the right intellectual level for the audience. | Most of the story is developmentally appropriate for the audience. There is appropriate content written for a specific intellectual level for the audience. | Story and content is developmentally appropriate for the audience and setting. Content is appropriate for a specific intellectual level for the audience. |
| Plot | The Storyteller has included too many plot points or shares information out of order and causes a disrupted cadence. | The story makes sense and is effective in sharing the main plot points in a clear and understandable way. | Order of the story makes sense and is clear from start to finish. Storyteller provides a clear direction for the story and effectively transitions from one part of the story to the next. |
| Body Language | Storyteller does not use their face and body to show what the characters are doing or how they feel. The storyteller may be fidgeting or using the space and prompts in a way that feels awkward or disconnecting from the audience. | Storyteller uses their face and body to show what the characters are doing and how they feel. The Storyteller sits or stands straight and engaged. Storyteller attempts to channel energy but the gestures may be unclear, uncontrolled, or difficult to understand. | Storyteller uses face and body to show how people in the story feel. All of the gestures are controlled, clear and easy to understand. Storyteller uses their body to move and use space around them effectively and bring energy to the story and plot twists. |
| Audience Contact | Story told to only one to two people in the audience and little audience involvement. Or the storyteller is sharing an uninteresting narrative that does not hold the reader’s attention. | Storyteller looks at a few people in the audience, involves only a few with questions. Story is an interesting narrative that holds the reader’s attention. | Storyteller looks at all the audience and involves them with questions. Story is an interesting narrative that holds the reader’s attention. |