Why do we Evaluate? When you evaluate a speech or role, your primary purpose is to help the person become a better speaker or presenter. We want to become effective speakers, and good evaluations promote and encourage the speaker toward continuous improvement.
We can all benefit by being provided with effective valuation about our role or speech.
Receiving immediate feedback, gives the speaker/presenter and opportunity to immediately work on the recommendations that have been given, and accept commendations from evaluator.
In Toastmasters we use the evaluation method called CRC. Commendation – Recommendation – Commendation. The speaker or presenter receives constructive feedback and is able to feel good about what they are doing well, what they still need to work on. It is recommended that new Toastmasters should not conduct evaluations until they have done a few speeches. Practice first!!
When you hear about what you did well, you immediately feel good about your progress and feel encouraged to continue to do better.
It is important when you are giving an evaluation that you: Speak to the group about what the speaker did well; Present your commendations directly to the speaker; and finally… Commend the speaker to the whole group.
To evaluate effectively it is important you understand what role is being undertaken, or what speech is being given. Understand the objectives of that role or speech.
Are there any specific guidelines for the role or speech, that as evaluator you need to be aware of.
Does the role undertaker or speech presenter have any concerns? Is there something specific they would like you to be aware of. For example: Gestures, voice etc.
Show you are interested. Focus on the role undertaker or speech presenter. Don’t do anything else!! Try and understand how the speaker or presenter may be feeling. Demonstrate empathy. Take notes without blocking out the speaker or role presenter from you view. For example: Constantly taking notes and not really “seeing” the speaker or presenter.
Think about how you are going give positive feedback to the speaker or presenter. Use personalised phrases such as: “My reaction was….; It appeared to me …; I felt that you …..” Evaluate the speech or role not the person. For example: “You should have…; You failed to…; Your opening was…;” Remember good evaluation statements promote self esteem. When offering recommendations for improvement personalise them by saying … “I suggest...; I think your next speech will have more impact if you ….; A technique I have found helpful is ….”
Do not “sugar coat” your evaluation – BE HONEST!!
The speaker or presenter will always benefit from an honest evaluation.
Although you may have limited time always try and provide a summary of your evaluation.
Connect back to your opening evaluation statement. Repeat any key points about the speech or role. If possible give a an example or connect to a situation you may have had.
Alwayssummarise your key points so the speaker or presenter is clear about what they have done well, and what they could improve on.
Examples and personal stories help the speaker or presenter relate to a real situation.
Finally, encourage the speaker or presenter to keep learning by working on any recommendations you may have made. Offer to be a mentor if necessary.