EVALUATOR FUNCTION
A good constructive evaluation is the cornerstone of successful public speaking. The evaluation process is what makes the Toastmasters program so successful. After every prepared speech, a speaker receives an evaluation.
The purpose of an assigned evaluator is to evaluate the presented speech based on the guidelines for that speech in the manual. The evaluation should be given in a supportive manner with constructive criticism. Remember that constructive criticism can be positive, such as “you did this exceptionally well. I hope you use that in future speeches”. Use the sandwich approach where warranted. Give a positive comment, a recommendation for improvement, and another positive comment. Please remember that excellence is a lofty goal; there is always room for improvement. Make the speaker feel successful about their assignment, and give them at least one suggestion for improvement for future presentations.
Typically, a member is assigned to give an oral evaluation after they have presented 2 or 3 of their own speeches to the club.
Detailed instructions are provided in the basic Communication and Leadership program manual on pages 63 and 64. There are also two excellent educational modules that can be presented at the club level: Successful Club Series: Evaluate to Motivate, and the Success/Communication module, The Art of Effective Evaluation.
Evaluator Function process:
1. Normally, evaluators and speakers are assigned two weeks in advance. A few days prior to the assigned meeting, verify your assignment with the Toastmaster of the day.
2. Prior to the meeting, contact the speaker to verify the speech project. If you are not familiar with the manual or assignment, ask the speaker to send you a copy of the objectives and evaluation criteria for that project. Review the project assignment.
3. In addition, ask the speaker if they have any personal objectives that they are working on (for example, overcoming a nervous gesture or word patterns).
4. The morning of the meeting, arrive at least 15 minutes early. Pick up the manual from the speaker, and ask if there are any changes, and give a few encouraging words. Remember, sometimes the speeches are given before Table Topics, so you must discuss the assignment with the speaker prior to the meeting.
5. Before the formal speeches, the General Evaluator will introduce you to give a summary of the objectives for this presentation. Keep it concise, 30 to 60 seconds in length.
6. During the speech, make notes on your observations of the speech. See the tips below.
7. After the speech, organize your observations. Keep in mind that your oral presentation will most likely be only 1-2 minutes, even less if the General Evaluator sees that the meeting is running late. Focus on the three most important points for your oral presentation.
8. The General Evaluator will call upon you to present your evaluation, and give you specific time limits. Be positive, and share at least as many "pluses" as "deltas".
9. Complete the evaluation form in the speaker’s manual. After the meeting, take the manual to the VPE for sign-off, and then return it to the speaker, congratulating them on their accomplishment.
What to do if a speaker is not giving a "manual" speech:
* It is expected that a member will always apply a speech to a manual assignment. The only acceptable exception is when the speaker is presenting one of the educational modules from Toastmasters International.
* Use the objectives and criteria for the second speech in the basic C&L manual -- "Organize your speech" for a non-manual speech.
Papago Evaluation Awards:
* Best or Better Evaluator award - an evaluator who stays within the time limit is eligible for the award.
* Whitewash award - if you fail to provide suggestions for improvement, you become eligible for the whitewash award, presented at the discretion of the General Evaluator.
Tips:
* Use a separate piece of paper to track the "pluses" - things that the speaker does well, and "deltas" - opportunities for improvement.
* Think of your evaluation as a mini-speech. Have a beginning, ending and three key points!
* Remember, there is no "right" and "wrong". Avoid "should" statements. Deliver your evaluation from a personal point of view, not from an authoritative view.
* Remember to focus first on the objectives for the speech.
* Take notes on two universal areas:
* Content - organization, message, speech "value"
* Delivery - voice and physical actions, preparation
* Your written evaluation will be more thorough than your oral evaluation. Be sure to leave an encouraging word, and balance the "things done well" and the "opportunities for improvement".
* Sometimes a newer Toastmaster is asked to evaluate an experienced Toastmaster. If you focus on the objectives of the speech, you can give effective feedback to the most polished speaker! Also, experienced speakers are aware of their speaking flaws -- ask them what to watch for!
Effective evaluation is a learned skill. Not everyone may agree with your assessment or recommendations. As long as your input is sincerely intended to help the speaker improve, you cannot go wrong.
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