Behavioral Descriptions of Wow Performance on Norback & Utschig Rubric

Norback & Utschig Presentation Scoring System. Copyright Georgia Tech Research Corporation. V7 061511. Non-
commercial use is approved without further permission. No commercial use is allowed without written permission of the
Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia 30332. For questions, contact jnorback@isye.gatech.edu or
tris.utschig@cetl.gatech.edu.


Item Description of Wow Performance
1.Audience connection Greets audience and uses names of audience members if possible

Refers directly to context in which audience is immersed to help define purpose/goals of
presentation

Demonstrates that audience questions have been anticipated

Has additional information at hand to draw from when responding to questions

Actively arranges to further address complex or new questions which may arise during or after
presentation

Conveys importance of the presentation through well-placed specific references to whats in it
for the audience

Establishes trust based on skills/knowledge/experience that shows how outcomes of the
presentation and answers to questions posed serve the audience or give them value

Describes how skills/knowledge/experience was important in the work behind each key point,

Links purpose to skills/knowledge/experience
Description of Wow Performance
2.Appropriate language Concepts are rephrased or simplified as needed to suit audience background

Clearly defines and explains the use of important technical terms without additional complexity

Slide information is consistently at just the right level for the audience.

Links purpose to skills/knowledge/experience
Description of Wow Performance
3.Relevant details Illustrates major points using contextual examples or analogies that are local and familiar to the
audience

Uses descriptive details that link directly to the setting of the audience

Uses concrete examples to explain every part of the solutionput the result in context (explain
it in real life)
Description of Wow Performance
4.Taking Questions Before interaction, thinks through when audience might have questions and answer them as
give presentation

Have maximum interactive dialogue with audience by 1) asking for questions after each major
segment of the presentation and 2) asking audience questions when presenter sees audience
signs of boredom, dissatisfaction or lack of understanding

Clarifies the questions as needed

Repeats questions as needed

Answers questions concisely

Confirms answering the question




Behavioral Descriptions of Wow Performance on Norback & Utschig Rubric

Norback & Utschig Presentation Scoring System. Copyright Georgia Tech Research Corporation. V7 061511. Non-
commercial use is approved without further permission. No commercial use is allowed without written permission of the
Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia 30332. For questions, contact jnorback@isye.gatech.edu or
tris.utschig@cetl.gatech.edu.


Item Description of Wow Performance
5.Sequencing Weaves the story using transitions from slide to slide,

Uses pauses and transitions appropriately.

Reviews the relationship between points already made

Using transitional language between key points that logically shows how they lead to each new
topic

Relates the story of the presentation in a memorable way
Description of Wow Performance
6.Key points From the beginning, clearly identifies what key points are

Helps audience understand key points by referring to how each fits into the big picture

Describes how skills/knowledge/experience was important in the work behind each key point,
Description of Wow Performance
7.Context Use examples to support points

Leaves charts/graphs up long enough

Supports the data with concise and specific verbal description (for example, explain main point
of data and demonstrate with a couple details)

Uses concrete examples to explain every part of the solutionput the result in context (explain
it in real life)
Description of Wow Performance
8.Sensitivity to time Begins and ends on time with an ample time cushion included for questions throughout the
presentation

Actively arranges to further address complex or new questions which may arise during or after
presentation
Description of Wow Performance
9.Layout and design Designs a few key handouts to be distributed at well-thought-out point before, during or after
presentation, depending on the purpose of the presentation and type of audience.

Information on slides consistently avoids distracting the audience from the key message

Slides consistently include enough information of different types to engage the audience around
the key points

Regularly includes on the slide: a) data needed to support key points and b) cues for audience
to topics of explanation necessary for audience to understand the key points

Slide information is consistently at just the right level for the audience.

Using headers to help tell the story
Description of Wow Performance
10.Focused content Slides typically reflect one or two key points.

Speaker has readily available (and refers to as needed) slides containing detailed data relating
to assertions

Regularly includes on the slide: a) data needed to support key points and b) cues for audience
to topics of explanation necessary for audience to understand the key points

Behavioral Descriptions of Wow Performance on Norback & Utschig Rubric

Norback & Utschig Presentation Scoring System. Copyright Georgia Tech Research Corporation. V7 061511. Non-
commercial use is approved without further permission. No commercial use is allowed without written permission of the
Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia 30332. For questions, contact jnorback@isye.gatech.edu or
tris.utschig@cetl.gatech.edu.


Item Description of Wow Performance
11.Amount of text Slides typically have about 8 bullets per slide, with about 8 words each.

Slides containing detailed data relating to assertions

Description of Wow Performance
12.Appropriate graphics Uses type of graphic that best makes the point


Item Description of Wow Performance

13.Engaging graphics

Uses color or highlighting to draw attention to important information

Uses labels and units easy for the audience to understand

Uses information that is easily digested


Description of Wow Performance
14.First/last impressions Engages the audience on a personal level with the first sentence of the presentation, paints a
clear picture of the overall presentation

Inspires the audience to rally together and/or take individual action
Description of Wow Performance
15.Flow and Elaboration



Knows the material well without memorizing it

Describes the message 1) in a focused and precise manner and 2) in an easy-to-understand
manner

Offers things the audience cant see (create value);

Leaves charts/graphs up long enough


Description of Wow Performance
16.Stature Wears serious clothing and is meticulously groomed; uses good posture and bearing,

Uses hands for emphasis but avoids too much body motion and nervous hand gestures
Description of Wow Performance
17.Vocal Quality Modifies & adapts tone to achieve purpose of presentation


Uses high enough volume so all audience can hear; modifies volume to emphasize certain
points

Uses a smooth and not-too-rapid pace.
Description of Wow Performance
18.Personal Presence Shows definite enthusiasm throughout presentation

Effectively combines energy, inflection and eye contact to engage the audience

Uses hands for emphasis but avoids too much body motion and nervous hand gestures