Speech Evaluators
Recommended: Completion of three speeches
Your goal as an Evaluator is to provide the speaker with immediate constructive feedback and encouragement. You have 3 minutes to give your report. Prepare for the evaluation by discussing with the speaker their personal speech objectives and areas that they may want you to focus on, such as confidence or hand gestures. Also, review the manual for each speech, especially the stated evaluation guidelines. Before the speaker is called to give their presentation, you will be asked to read the manual objectives for that particular speech project. In your evaluation, be specific by giving examples of positive points and areas for improvement. Be honest and constructive. Use words that imply an opinion rather than a judgment or criticism.
Consider in your evaluation:
- Content – not the opinions stated, but the supporting material provided;
- Effectiveness – original, interesting, the audience’s reception;
- Development – opening, body, conclusion;
- Preparation – rehearsal, organization, use of notes;
- Delivery – distracting mannerisms, nervousness;
- Body language – gestures, eye contact;
- Voice – volume, variety;
- Language – correctness, appropriateness; and
- Manner – confidence, sincerity, enthusiasm.
Do not comment on whether you agree with the ideas expressed by the speaker, only on the way that the speaker presented these ideas. Consider using the ‘Sandwich Technique’ for your evaluation. Start by listing positive points. Next, list a couple areas for improvement. Give specific examples and describe how, in your opinion, those areas could be improved. Conclude by providing positive feedback, congratulating the speaker, and encouraging them to give their next speech.
Complete the written manual evaluation. Finally, discuss the speech and the evaluation with the speaker after the meeting.
Table Topic Speech Evaluators
Recommended: Completion of two speeches
Table Topics evaluations are mini evaluations of mini speeches. You have four minutes to provide all the speakers with a few observations. Take notes on each speaker throughout the Table Topics session. Comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the speaker, their idea development and delivery. All speakers are entitled to their own opinions, so do not comment on the opinions expressed but rather on how effectively the speaker expressed them. Give at least one suggestion for improvement. As you will have to get through a number or speakers in a short timeframe, limit your comments for each to three; two points of strength and one area for improvement.
Some common suggestions:
- Voice projection, vocal variety, pronunciation, proper pausing;
- Conviction, enthusiasm, confidence, capturing imagination, earnestness;
- Facial expression, animated gestures, natural, vibrant, relaxed, smile;
- Knowledge of topic, using a quotation to open and close, key phrases; and
- Entertaining, humour, props.
Further Resources
Here are more tips and suggestions on giving evaluations.
Evaluation Techniques and Forms