A Storytelling Skills Rubric

Developed by Heather Forest

Effective Storytelling Performance Skills
Effective Storytelling Composition
Self Assessment

Effective Storytelling Performance Skills

Voice Mechanics

Speaks with an appropriate volume for the audience to hear. Employs clear enunciation. Uses non-monotonous, vocal expression to clarify the meaning of the text.

Face/Body/Gesture

Expressively uses non-verbal communication to clarify the meaning of the text.

Focus

Concentration is clear.
Eye contact with audience is engaging.
Maintains a charismatic presence in space (stage presence).

Characterization

If dialogue is employed, characters are believable to listener. Storyteller's natural voice is differentiated from character voices.

Use of Space:

Storyteller seems comfortable, relaxed and confident in front of listeners. Storyteller maintains clear spatial relationships for characters and narrator.

Pacing:

The story is presented efficiently and keeps listeners' interest throughout.

Performance Skills Rubric

	Beginner	Intermediate	Proficient	Accomplished
Voice Mechanics
Facial Expression
Body Language & Gesture
Focus
Characterization
Use of Space
Timing/Pacing

Effective Storytelling Composition

Basic Story Structure

Story has a clear and engaging opening.
Story's sequence of events is easy for the listener to follow.
Story's ending has a sense of closure.

Words

Teller's choice of language is descriptive and articulate.
If dialogue is employed, the teller's character text is clearly differentiated from the narrator's text so that the listener understands who is talking.

Innovation

Teller employs a unique or creative use of language, sound, or body language.
Teller creatively presents the sequence of events.
Teller's perception of the meaning of the story is artfully expressed or suggested through the telling.

Storytelling Compositional Skills Rubric:

	Beginner	Intermediate	Proficient	Accomplished
Story Structure
Words
Innovation

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