The sCORESM Model

The sCORESM Model gives us a useful aid to gauging how well leaders present themselves.

Start by choosing someone you regularly see or are familiar with from business, your community, politics, the media, etc. Then observe how they present themselves, using the criteria below. See some examples.

Use a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (outstanding).

Name of Person You're Observing: President George W. Bush, at a Signing Ceremony for the Class Action Lawsuits Bill

Speaker Style

10     My first impression - He seemed very calm and comfortable
10     Personal appearance - Very professional in attire
10     Took a moment to greet me (verbally or non-verbally) - shook hands
  8     Established eye contact - Good eye contact, but read from notes a lot
  9     Used natural gestures - Minimal gestures were used
  8     Non-verbal expression (body language) - Stood behind podium
10     Paced the presentation - Spoke slowly
10     Used examples/stories - Spoke about two families and told their stories
10     Used appropriate vocabulary - Did not use fillers
10     Had vocal variety - Voice was not shaky, very controlled

Commitment

10     Connected to the information - Knowledgeable about the bill
  8     Prepared for the presentation - Prepared, but shouldn't look at notes
10     Had a point of view/position - He had an obvious position, he was for the bill
10     Thoughtful
  9     Spoke from the heart - Was enthusiastic about the speech

Organization

10     There was a clear plan of material - Clear and concise
10     Framed key message with a strong opening statement
10     Logical
10     Concluding remarks: summarized, clarified, set direction/action

Relevance

10     Found the best way to present to the audience
10     Increased understanding - Increased my understanding of the bill
10     Provided value
10     Meaningful - very meaningful
10     Important - Extremely important for every citizen to know about

Engagement

10     Aware of the audience - Seemed aware of the audience
10     Held my attention - with examples & stories
  9     Tuned in to me - tuned into the audience
  9     Listened to verbal and non-verbal responses
  9     Adapted to the situation

There are some things I think President Bush should work on: I noticed that, at times, the President flipped the pages to his speech loudly, and so that the audience could see, read directly from his notes a lot and would look back awkwardly to introduce someone.
- Example provided by an MBA student, Executive Communication and Leadership course, February 2005

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