Goal
To support the speaker in their development by providing constructive, structured, and encouraging feedback. The Speech Evaluator helps the speaker recognize strengths and identify concrete steps for further improvement.
Tasks
- Contact the speaker before the meeting to understand the objectives of their project and any specific areas where feedback is desired.
- When asked for an introduction before the speech, briefly present the project and the specific goals or focus of the speaker. The evaluator introduces the speech and the project; the Toastmaster of the Evening introduces the speaker.
- Listen carefully to the speech, focusing on both content and delivery in light of the project goals.
- Take structured notes during the speech.
- Prepare a balanced evaluation including strengths, specific observations, and clear recommendations.
- Deliver your evaluation during the evaluation section (in 2–3 minutes).
- Offer more detailed or written feedback after the meeting, if desired by the speaker.
- Align with the speaker how the feedback is recorded in pathways.
Hints
- Evaluate the speech the speaker gave — not the speech you would have given.
- Align your feedback with the project objectives.
- Asking for specific areas for feedback helps you to focus your assessment and feedback.
- If you are unsure what the speaker would like you to focus on, typical aspects to observe include: speech structure, message and purpose, body language, facial expression, speaking pace, vocal variety, and use of the stage.
- Be specific: quote examples to make your feedback concrete and helpful.
- Offer clear and actionable recommendations rather than general advice.
- Less is more: only determine the most important observations afterwards. Better explain 2 suggestions for improvement well and specifically instead of 4 only vaguely.
- Summarize your feedback at the end of your speech to make it easy to digest.
- Speak for yourself. Use more I-messages than you- messages.
- Balance appreciation and improvement suggestions in a respectful tone.
- Your speech is not just meant for the speaker to be evaluated. Formulate in a way such that everyone in the audience can learn something.
- Your evaluation is a speech — treat it like one (for example with a clear structure and message).