Idea Pitches: Judging Criteria

Criteria	Very Poorly Done	Solid Performance	Very Well Done
1. How well does the pitch articulate a specific problem or unmet need and identify the customer/potential customer?	No clear problem statement No clear customer identification, Information confusing	Either the problem statement or the customer identification is well done. Effective in presenting problem and evidence supporting statements.	Both the problem statement and the target customer are very clearly indentified and easy to understand.
2. How unique and/or viable is the proposed solution in addressing the identified need? How well researched is the idea for the profit or non-profit business activity?	No uniqueness to the idea. Business idea does not appear viable as presented or does not address the need as presented.	Idea has some good features, and may be viable based on evidence still to be developed. Some research is presented which supports the idea or problem solution.	Unique idea and idea appears viable as a business, and addresses the identified problem/need. Logic or reasons given for idea/solution working are well documented and researched.
3. How effectively and passionately does the presenter articulate the problem, solution and call to action?	Stated case is disorganized and not persuasive, No passion. no obvious commitment	Some conviction, good evidence included, presentation has interesting if not convincing content	Clearly passionate about opportunity, excited and committed to solution/idea. Convincing case and call to action.
4. How effective or accomplished are the speaker’s skills? Did the presenter use movement, props, gestures or staging/dress to communicate their message?	No time control, No eye contact, poor articulation, no vocal emphasis, No enhancement of delivery through props, dress or creative delivery techniques..	Acceptable pitch and delivery, obviously practiced timing. Professionally presented. Helped the audience understand problem or solution with creative delivery or speaking techniques.	Solid eye contact, very persuasive, tone and expressions, proper dress and facial expressions, timing great. Used creative speaking or message delivery techniques to significantly enhance presentation.
5. How well did the speaker answer the questions from the judges? Did the Q/A period strengthen the case for the idea?	Speaker did not answer questions or provided answers which were not relevant to the judges questions or defensive.	Speaker understood the questions and helped clarify the points in the presentation to which the judge referred. Speaker repeated the question and made sure the questioner was satisfied.	Speaker’s answers to judges questions strengthened the case for the idea and speaker repeated the question. Speaker clarified the question points effectively and added evidence to an already well stated case.