I have seen an increase in evaluators using acronyms to provide structure for their points. As an example, the acronym MOVE:
- Movement
- Organization
- Vocal variety
- Eye contact
The idea being that you can focus on movement throughout the evaluation, and tie all your points together with the acronym.
This may work if it fits perfectly with the speech, as this example does. The problem arises when you plan to use an acronym before you have even seen the target speech. The acronym is not likely to fit with the speech and will come across as a method for the evaluator to remember their points vs. helping the speaker or the audience.
Acronyms can also be a stumbling block. If you have two of the same letter in the acronym, that will almost always causes confusion. Another problem I have seen is where the evaluator used the letters out of order. A luck would have it, spelling a completely different word!
I suggest that if you want to use an acronym to aid your memory, keep the acronym to yourself. The audience will sense that you are more confident because you are providing a well structured evaluation.
Posted under Toastmasters
This post was written by john on September 9, 2008
