The Speech Evaluator's Responsibilities

So, who wants to evaluate a speech?

Another equally important role during any given Toastmasters meeting is the Speech Evaluator.  A brand new Toastmaster may not know this; but, evaluation is the heart of the Toastmasters educational program.  An evaluator observes the speeches and leadership roles of club members and offers helpful assessments and recommendations for improvement of their efforts. 

What exactly does an evaluator do?

According to Toastmasters.org, as evaluator you:

• "Ask those you've been assigned to evaluate what they will present and what they wish to achieve."
• "Provide objective verbal and written evaluations for speakers."
• "When giving any evaluation, offer praise as well as constructive criticism."

How to be a great evaluator?

Just like how each speaker has his or her own style of delivery, each evaluator carries out their duties with personal style as well.  However, a general guideline is to provide constructive criticism, encouraging words, and offer examples for impovement.

Many Toastmasters prefer the "Sandwich Style," a method of evaluation that starts with general praises, then specific points of improvement, and ending with an overall praise and congrats to motivate the speaker to try again.

So, are you ready to be an evaluator yet?

Well, hopefully, next time you hear such a question, you will step up and say "yes."  And even if you still feel reluctant, just remember: we are all learning, and we are all qualified to evaluate each other.