Question 7: What is your check-list for listening to a speech and preparing an evaluation?
I actually don’t have a formal check-list for listening to a speech or for preparing an evaluation. I start with a blank piece of paper and start writing as the speech unfolds.
I know that some people prepare the piece of paper before the speech begins. Some people split it vertically into 2 sections, 1 for strengths and 1 for weaknesses. Others split horizontally into 3 sections, 1 for beginning, 1 for body, and 1 for conclusion. I also know that some people split the piece of paper into areas of a speech that they are going to look at such as vocal variety, gestures, etc.
I think that using a prepared format or a check-list can be very helpful for beginning evaluators. It has the advantage of providing a framework. It unfortunately has the disadvantage of boxing the evaluator in. I would be worried that I miss something by focusing less on the speech and more on my logistics. It really comes down to whether the evaluation is more about you as the evaluator or the speaker.
If you do use a format or a check-list, vary it so you don’t get comfortable with it. Step out of your boundaries and you will grow.
Posted under Toastmasters
This post was written by john on February 25, 2009
