This document is an outline of a conference presentation on developing and implementing authentic oral assessment instruments. Among the topics covered are the following: alternative, authentic, direct, descriptive, portfolio, and performance assessments. A detailed comparison and contrasting is undertaken of alternative and performance assessments. Also included is an overview of assessment instruments and the relationship between assessment instruments and various characteristics of alternative and performance assessments specifically covering business simulations, presentation checklists, and oral interviews. The presentation concludes with a series of questions to consider when developing an assessment instrument, covering such areas as feasibility, the creation process, implementation, and interpretation. (Contains 18 references.) (KFT)