Evaluations Benefit Speakers by…

1. Most of us remember at least one experience from our school days when nervous and shy, we stood in front of the class and had to speak about an event or give a book report. Minutes later the teacher gave an evaluation or feed back with some critiques. • By now we’ve found that being a member of a Toastmaster club is much more easier and user friendly experience and we are not judged by an intimidating teacher. As Toastmasters we learn together and we take turns by evaluating each other speeches and we are in a continuous learning process. • As evaluators we sharpen up our listening and impromptu speaking skills. • And as for speakers the … Evaluations BenefitSpeakers by… Providing immediate feedback – This is happening soon after the speech was delivered. The feedback should have supportive commentaries (comments) and helpful suggestions, focusing on areas that need work. Offering methods for improvement – Sometimes when judging our own speaking performances we are too close to the forest to see the big trees, so evaluators we can help us recognize some difficulties we have encountered during our presentation, to adjust and fine –tune the person’s speaking performance. Building and maintaining self-esteem – As we learn how to play up our strong points as speakers and correct our speeches, in time we feel better about ourselves. This self-esteem that we gain, benefits us not only as Toastmasters but also in our personal and professional relationships. 292 Evaluate to Motivate

2. Evaluating by the“Tell and Sell” Approach When the evaluator talks……and the speaker listens! The most common evaluation used in Toastmasters is “Tell and Sell”. This approach requires the evaluator to do all the talking while the speaker listens. Within the space of few minutes the evaluator is giving his/her opinion, and after that the meeting continues. Usually these comments are based on the manual’s objectives and evaluation guidelines!!!. Any other comments between speaker and evaluator are made after the meeting is adjourned. 292 Evaluate to Motivate

3. How to Evaluate Effectively Giving an evaluation is an excellent way to demonstrate the skills we are learning and achieving as Toastmasters. Here are some basic points to remember when offering an evaluation: 1. Show that you are interested. What is our objective? – To help the speaker of course! So we need to show interest in both speech and speaker’s ability to grow and improve. Remember that the challenge of an evaluation is to point out the strengths and weaknesses of the speech you’ve just heard. These remarks must be in a helpful, encouraging and sincere manner that will motivate the speaker to return with new speeches. 2. Before the speech, talk with the speaker about • Manual objectives • Evaluation guidelines • Any additional concerns – like any concerns regarding the speech or the speaker’s speaking abilities. 3. Personalize your language – Do not use words like: You didn’t; You shouldn’t have; You failed to; we are not in a court of law. Also : I believe; My reaction was; I suggest that; it is better then the statements above, but again you don’t want to appoint yourself as a spoke person for other members in the club. Keep in mind when forming your evaluation, describe the effects the speaker’s speech had on you : What I saw; What I heard; What I felt – and you will maximize your skills as an evaluator. 4. Evaluate the speech – Not the person! – As evaluators we have to keep in mind that we have to support, help and encourage the speaker. – In other words the GOAL is to help the speaker to communicate their ideas in a more effective manner. 5. Promote self-esteem – As evaluators we have to encourage and inspire the speaker to participate again, like giving positive reinforcement when improvements occur, helpful directions if necessary. Always end your evaluation with a positive note, allowing the speaker to feel better and motivate her/him to continue…When self-esteem is allowed to grow, the individual will feel accepted and accomplished. 292 Evaluate to Motivate

4. Evaluate to Motivate Opening: “Evaluate to Motivate” is a program that is part of the Toastmasters International - The Successful Club Series. Members learn about the skills and standards they must achieve if their club is to be successful. “Evaluate to Motivate” is about the importance of the Speech Evaluation. This program offers a number of techniques on how to evaluate a speaker. So the speaker will: • - receive beneficial information. • - be encouraged to continue presenting new speeches. Closing: Evaluation is one of the most important learning tool within Toastmasters experience. When we give an evaluation for a speech we are given the opportunity to polish our own skills as speakers, and also to assist others in attaining their own goals. In other words we will help our club members become the speakers we want to be. 292 Evaluate to Motivate