Constructive feedback is essential to the professional and personal growth of every Toastmaster, and that’s why effective evaluations are key to overall club excellence. The “Evaluate to Motivate” module from Toastmasters’ Successful Club Series includes the following five tips when offering an evaluation:
- Demonstrate your interest in both the speech and in the speaker’s ability to grow and improve.
- Personalize your language and put yourself in the speaker’s shoes before giving an evaluation. Avoid phrases like “you didn’t” or “you should have …”
- Stimulate improvement with helpful words, such as “I believe …”; “My reaction was …”; or “I suggest …” Follow the evaluator’s mantra—what I saw, what I heard, what I felt. Focusing on these points will help you sharpen your evaluation skills.
- Evaluate the speech, not the person. Your main goal is to support and encourage, while offering at least one actionable suggestion for improvement. Watch for symptoms of fear or insecurity. Empathize with the speaker’s desire to learn and become a better presenter.
- Promote self-esteem by sharing positive reinforcement when improvements occur; make sure your praise is honest and sincere.
And remember, always end your evaluation on a positive note.
Download the Successful Club Series here.
