Take notes throughout the speech to help you with the grading after the speech is over. Focus on listening to the speech rather than grading it as the student talks.
Note the delivery method of the student and presentation, including eye contact, hand motions, posture and behavior.
Evaluate the content of the speech. Don't grade the subject the student chooses unless it doesn't match the assignment. Grade instead on aspects such as how well the speech is organized into an introduction, body and conclusion, and how well the student transitions between those elements. Examine how the speech fits the time constraints and speaks to the appropriate audience. Grade students on whether the information presented is factually correct and properly referenced.
Monitor the student for appropriate emotions during the speech. This includes tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. Keeping a monotone voice, for instance, makes the speech boring and unworthy of a high grade. Yet if a student incorporates emotional speaking into the speech, it will be more exciting and better hold the attention of the audience. A student capable of making even a mundane topic exciting deserves a high mark.
Listen for any grammar mistakes. Like writing, a speech should be written following the basic rules of English grammar. If a student does not follow these basic rules, reflect that in your grading.
Break down the grading to let students know how they did on various aspects of the speech. Knowing exactly where they can improve will help students create better speeches in the future.
Give an overall grade that reflects a combination of all the areas you graded. Some of the areas may hold more weight than others in your grading process. For instance, content and organization may carry more weight than presentation, especially for a student's first speech.