This document provides guidance on evaluating speeches through constructive feedback. It explains that speech evaluation helps improve speaking skills and future audiences. The evaluation process involves effective listening, note-taking, and analyzing strengths and areas for improvement. Evaluators should look at the speech objectives, audience, introduction, body, conclusion, language, delivery, and overall effect. Feedback should be specific, constructive, and avoid absolute statements, while praising strengths and providing suggestions.

1. S P E E C H E VA L U AT I O N & C R I T I Q U E

2. ABOUT
EVALUATION
& CRITIQUE

3. WHAT ARE SPEECH EVALUATION AND
CRITIQUE?
•Many speech evaluations use a template or
form listing areas to focus on and may
incorporate a ratings scale.
•A formal critique is often a written analysis
providing detailed and thorough feedback to
the speaker.
•The terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

4. WHY? 3 BENEFITS
•The process of evaluating another speaker helps
you become aware of ways to improve your
own speaking skills.
•Frequent feedback from peers helps speakers
improve their skills.
•Future audiences benefit from improved
speakers.

5. WHAT DO YOU DO?
•Apply effective listening and observation skills
to watching/hearing the speech or presentation.
•Evaluations can be conducted at live
presentations or from speech videos.
–audio or video recordings can complement your evaluation
of a live presentation
•Make notes during the presentation.
•Analyze what you have seen and heard for
strengths and areas for improvements.

6. WHAT TO LOOK
FOR IN A SPEECH
EVALUATION

7. ABOUT THE SPEECH
•The Speech Objectives
–What is the speaker’s goal? Is it to educate,
motivate, persuade or entertain?
–What is the primary message being delivered?
–Why is this person delivering this speech? Are
they the right person?
–Was the objective achieved?

8. ABOUT THE SPEECH
•The Audience and Context for the Speech
–Where and when is the speech being
delivered?
–What are the key demographic features of the
audience?
–How large is the audience?
–Is there a live audience, an external target
audience (i.e. Internet, mass media), or both?

9. INTRODUCTION
•Did it capture attention & interest?
•Was the topic introduced clearly?
•Was the topic related to the audience?
•Did the speaker have topic-credibility?
•Was the body of the speech previewed?

10. BODY
•Were the main points clear?
•Was the speech organized logically? Was it easy to
follow?
•Were the main points supported?
•Were the main points logically presented?
•Were the transitions between main points clear
and effective?

11. CONCLUSION
•Was the transition to the end of the speech
signaled?
•Was there a summary of principal points?
•Was the conclusion concise?
•Was there an effective close and/or call to action?

12. LANGUAGE
•Was the language used appropriate for the
topic and the audience
•Was the language varied?
•Were sentences short and easy to understand?
•Was the language precise / articulated clearly?
•Was the language compelling and make the
presentation interesting?

13. OVERALL DELIVERY (TO BE COVERED IN MODULE 6]
• Were the notes, visual aids etc. organized before the start?
• Was the beginning poised?
• Was there good use of eye contact?
• Was the body language (posture & gesture) controlled &
effective?
• Was the speaking rate - flexible & effective?
• Was the speaking volume appropriate & varied?
• Was there fluency, an absence of fillers like 'ahs' & 'ums'?
• Was vocal variety used, changes in pitch & tone, & good use of
pausing?
• Did the speaker show enthusiasm for the topic?
• Were there visual aids? Were they appropriate and integrated into
the speech?

14. OVERALL EFFECT
•Did the speaker achieve the assignment's
purpose?
•Was the topic researched?
•Did the topic adapt well to the audience?
•Were the audience members interested?
•Was the speech completed within the time
limit?
•How did the speech make you feel?

15. HOW TO PROVIDE
CONSTRUCTIVE
FEEDBACK

16. GIVE CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
• If you can't think of a constructive purpose for giving
feedback, don't give it at all.
• Evaluate how well the message is delivered, not the
messenger.
• Combine praise, areas for improvement, and specific
suggestions.
• Be specific. Use examples. Explain why.
– e.g. “I liked the dynamic opening of your speech.” is better than “I
liked your speech.”
– “Gestures could have been improved in the first half of the speech.
By removing her hands from the lectern, she could more easily make
natural gestures.“ is better than “Gestures were poor.“

17. GIVE CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
• Avoid absolute statements, such as “You should never…”
or “One should always.”
• Express your opinion; don’t speak for the audience.
–Use “I” statements: “I thought… I liked… I felt… I
wish…”
• Be truthful.

18. REFERENCES
• Dlugan, A. (Jan. 19, 2008) “Speech Analysis #2: The Art of Delivering Evaluations,” Six
Minutes Speaking and Presentation Skills. http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-
evaluation-2-art-of-delivering-evaluations/
• “How to Provide Constructive Feedback.” (2013) Cabrillo Community College District.
https://www.cabrillo.edu/services/jobs/pdfs/giving-feedback.pdf
• “Speech Evaluation.” (2018) Write Out Loud. http://www.write-out-loud.com/speech-
evaluation.html