How to Give Helpful Evaluations
The Purpose of Evaluation
Help Speakers Grow
- Constructive Feedback: Point out specific areas for improvement
- Recognition: Celebrate what the speaker did well
- Encouragement: Build confidence for their next speaking opportunity
- Specific Examples: Give concrete instances rather than general comments
Develop Your Skills
- Active Listening: Focus completely on the speaker's message and delivery
- Analytical Thinking: Break down what made the speech effective or not
- Clear Communication: Organize your thoughts into a coherent evaluation
The Three-Part Structure
1. Commend (What Worked Well)
- Start Positive: Begin with genuine praise for specific strengths
- Be Specific: "Your opening story about the lost dog immediately grabbed our attention"
- Recognize Effort: Acknowledge the work that went into the speech
2. Recommend (Areas for Growth)
- Focus on Impact: Choose 2-3 most important improvements
- Be Constructive: Suggest specific actions, not just problems
- Frame Positively: "To make your next speech even stronger, consider..."
3. Commend (End with Encouragement)
- Circle Back: Reinforce a key strength or overall impression
- Look Forward: Express confidence in their continued growth
- Thank Them: Appreciate their effort and contribution
What to Focus On
Content and Organization
- Clear Message: Did you understand the main point?
- Logical Flow: Were the ideas well-organized?
- Supporting Material: Did stories and examples enhance the message?
- Timing: Did they use their allocated time effectively?
Delivery and Presence
- Voice: Was it clear, varied, and engaging?
- Eye Contact: Did they connect with the audience?
- Gestures: Were movements natural and supportive?
- Confidence: How did their presence affect the message?
Common Evaluation Mistakes
Being Too Nice
- All Positive: Speakers need honest feedback to improve
- Vague Praise: "Good job" doesn't help them grow
- Missing Opportunities: Don't skip chances to offer helpful suggestions
Being Too Critical
- Overwhelming: Don't list every possible improvement
- Discouraging: Balance critique with genuine appreciation
- Personal Attacks: Focus on the speech, not the speaker's character
Preparing Your Evaluation
During the Speech
- Take Notes: Jot down specific examples of strengths and areas to improve
- Listen Actively: Focus on both content and delivery
- Note Objectives: If it's a Pathways project, consider the learning goals
Organize Your Thoughts
- Choose Key Points: Pick the most impactful feedback to share
- Plan Your Structure: Organize around the commend-recommend-commend format
- Time Yourself: Keep evaluations to 2-3 minutes
Sample Evaluation Framework
> "Thank you, Toastmaster. [Speaker name], what an engaging presentation on time management! > > Your opening story about missing your daughter's recital was powerful and immediately connected with all of us as parents and professionals. The three-part structure made your tips easy to follow and remember. > > To make your next speech even stronger, consider varying your pace during transitions - you have excellent content, and adding more pauses would let us absorb these valuable insights. Also, moving to different areas of the room during your three main points would visually reinforce your structure. > > Your passion for helping busy families was evident throughout, and your practical solutions are ones we can all use. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!"
Growing as an Evaluator
- Practice Regularly: Volunteer for evaluation assignments
- Study Great Evaluators: Notice how experienced members give feedback
- Ask for Feedback: Request input on your own evaluation skills
- Apply Learning: Use evaluation skills in your own speeches
Remember, evaluation is a gift you give to fellow speakers. The feedback you provide might be the insight that transforms their speaking ability. Approach each evaluation with care, honesty, and genuine desire to help others succeed.