World Champion Evaluator evaluating like a champion

When you give an evaluation for a speech, do you find yourself struggling with just how to do it?  Maybe:

• The content didn’t resonate with you.
• The delivery was not effective.
• You don’t agree with information presented.
• The speaker didn’t seem prepared.
• The speaker is new and has much to work on.

There are many more reasons a speech may be hard to evaluate.  Each of these reasons can be overcome with a change in focus.  Note the focus in the following:

• I didn’t  like the content.
• The delivery didn’t work for me.
• I didn’t agree with the information.
• I thought the preparation was inadequate.
• I recognize that the speaker is new and has many areas to address.

The focus is clearly on the evaluator.  Lots of “I” statements.  Typically “I” statements are great.  In this case though, the evaluator is paralyzed by focusing on themselves.  An evaluation is primarily for the benefit of the speaker.  The evaluator needs to spend some time in the shoes of the speaker.  Next time you are an evaluator, challenge yourself to look at the speech from the speakers point of view:

• You clearly know a lot about this topic.  It can be a challenge to convey this to a lay-audience.
• What an interesting delivery style you chose.  I will see if I can incorporate it into one of my future speeches.
• The information you presented was a challenge for me.  I wonder whether there is another side you could present to balance the argument.
• I liked your raw approach to this speech.  Now that you have presented it, consider the following suggestions for some ways to polish it…
• This is an exciting time in your speaking progression.  There are so many roads to you can take.  I am going to highlight 3 roads you can take today to take the next step…

Assume that the speaker intended everything they did.  The speaker knows if they didn’t prepare fully or that they didn’t do as well as they are capable.  Help them see alternatives instead of highlighting their inadequacies.

Posted under Toastmasters