Effective Evaluation

The evaluation of a speech is a very important aspect of Toastmasters International club as a support group.  No one is an expert and we are all here to learn and learning by doing.  I compare public speaking as dancing.  You might learn the steps of a dance by reading them on a script but if you don't use your feet and dance you won't be a very good dancer. 

The purpose of the evaluation is to help another person become a better speaker.  It is a means of helping members learn fully and effectively.

Three Roles of an evaluator:

 

v     Motivator - Fuel the speaker's desire for improvement.

 

v     Facilitator - Show the speaker how to improve. Nourish and evaluate - Don't criticize!

 

v     Counselor - Get the person relived of fear and ready to get back for his/her next speech.

Nourish The Speaker As An Effective Evaluator

 

Be Genuine - Show that you care

 

Suit your evaluation to the speaker

 

Recognize Strengths

 

Provide Positive Direction and Reinforcement

 

Show the speaker specifically How to improve - Not just what to improve.

 

Personalize Your Language - "I suggest" - not "You should" "I think" not "You must"

 

Create a motivational climate

 

Evaluate Behavior - Not people

 

Focus on what the speaker should be doing

 

Select one or two improvement areas for that speaker

THINGS TO AVOID FOR EFFECTIVE EVALUATION

 

Avoid Giving a synopsis of the speech

 

Avoid Covering too many points - The speaker will get those in the written evaluation

 

Avoid Value Judgements- Such as "Bad" or "Good"

POINTS TO REMEMBER TO DO AS AN EFFECTIVE EVALUATOR

 

Learn the speaker's objectives

 

Talk with the speaker in Advance - Find out the things he/she wants you to specifically look for

 

Listen Actively - For preparation and organization, Speech value, Attention - getting Opening, Body Flow, Effective Conclusion, and Voice - Volume/Variety

 

Look & Watch Carefully - For appropriate Appearance, Manner, Gestures, Facial Expressions, Body Movement, and eye contact

 

Observe Clearly - Were the manual project objectives met

When you evaluate a speech you can not make the speaker change the behavior and become better.  Your function is to provide the speaker with the information he or she can use for improvement.  As a speaker, it is up to you whether or not you act on that feedback or not. When you present a speech, the most important audience is yourself.

More Information

See the General Evaluation Form

For evaluation forms