Giving an evaluation is a key skill learned in Toastmasters. Remember these five basic points when evaluating a speaker:
1 Before the speech.
- Review and discuss the manual objectives and evaluation guidelines.
- Ask about any concerns regarding the speech or the speaker’s speaking ability.
2 Show that you are interested.
- Demonstrate that you are truly interested in the speech.
- Exhibit your interest in the speaker’s ability to grow and improve.
3 Personalize your language.
Put yourself in the position of the speaker before giving your evaluation.
Stay away from words like:
- “You didn’t …”
- “You should have …”
- “You failed to …”
To stimulate improvement, use words like:
- “I believe …”
- “My reaction was …”
- “I suggest that …”
Keep the evaluator’s mantra in mind to maximize your skills:
- What I saw.
- What I heard.
- What I felt.
4 Evaluate the speech—not the person.
- Always keep your main purpose in mind: to support, help and encourage the speaker.
- Pay attention to the speaker’s goals for self- improvement.
- Watch for symptoms of fear or insecurity.
- Evaluate what the speaker does—not what the speaker is.
5 Promote self-esteem.
Encourage and inspire the speaker to participate again by giving:
- Honest and sincere praise.
- Positive reinforcement when improvements occur.
- Helpful direction when necessary.
- A positive ending to your evaluation.
Source: Evaluate to Motivate module, Toastmasters Successful Club Series
