EVALUATOR
Prerequisite: Completion of Ice Breaker Speech.
Time: Two to three minutes.
Preparation:
Read theEffective Speech Evaluation manual. Read the purpose of the speech which you will evaluate in order to understand clearly the goals of the Speaker’s assignment.
Procedure:
Prior to the meeting or, if necessary, during the break, confer with the Speaker and review the objectives of the speech. Ask if there is any particularity to which you need to be alerted. During the break, obtain the Speaker’s manual and write your comments on the assigned page. Write your name and the date at the top of that page. Review the purpose of the speech and consider the evaluation points. Write your comments as clearly as possible in the Speaker’s manual.
Consider the Speaker’s level. Do not be critical of the Speaker’s vocal variety if the Speaker has not yet completed that project. On the other hand, if the Speaker is more advanced, some criticism may be valid.
When the Master Evaluator introduces you during the evaluation portion of the meeting, walk to the lectern, shake the General Evaluator’s hand, and begin with the following: “Mr./Madam General Evaluator, Fellow Toastmasters, Honored Guests, and especially [Speaker’s name].”
The time of your evaluation should be from two to three minutes and no longer than three minutes thirty seconds. Present positive points of the speech and emphasize how the Speaker excelled in fulfilling the project’s requirements. Comment on the delivery, but not on the content of the speech. The Speaker has expressed his or her own personal views, which the Evaluator should respect. You may briefly mention your assessment of the speech’s content value or any portions of it that may have been indiscreet. Comment on those points to which the Speaker alerted you. You should word any suggestions for improvements by saying, “It seemed to me,” or “I would have liked to have heard you say it this way.” Never make a critical comment without offering an illustration of how the speech could have been delivered better. Emphasize that you are reporting what you saw and heard and that it may not necessarily have affected other audience members in the same way.
Thank the speaker and end with an affirmation of sincere support. Return control of the meeting to the General Evaluator by saying, “Mr./Madam General Evaluator.” Remain at the lectern until the General Evaluator shakes your hand.
Back to Index