2 Bad Boys @ Back of Room, Not.

Not two bad boys at the back of the room - This weeks Timekeeper and Evaluator.

One of the more valuable experiences of Toastmasters is having your speech evaluated.

Evaluating is a skill that we develop by listening to speeches and relating our observations to a speaker. Essentially, everybody is an evaluator.

However, during a meeting a Rostered Evaluator will present their evaluation of a speech to the meeting. Other Toastmasters can learn from that what to look and listen for, helping them toward their own speech presentations.

A guide to evaluation structure is Commend, Recommend, Commend.

This week Jordan gave an excellent evaluation of a speech using that structure while cleverly adding character and entertainment values. He began poetically, including alliteration referring to ‘pitch, pace, pause and presentation.’

He noted that three things stood out in the speech,

1. The speaker having a catchy introduction, “I have a confession…”

2. the speaker’s use of a personal story, one which would be identified with by audience members.

3. The speaker’s assurance and ease in front of the audience, helping make the audience comfortable and keen to listen.

Jordan finished these commendations with positive encouragement.

Next he found a small issue that the experienced speaker could consider and address in later speeches. This was that the speaker's jacket was inclined to rub against their arm movements and make a distracting noise. Jordan tried to emulate the noise with his mouth, bringing in humour and keeping the recommendation light.

He also nicely mentioned a way that the speaker could perhaps add variety in pace which would add drama at particular moments in the speech.

Returning to once again commend, Jordan gave specific examples from the speech content that he found personally beneficial before giving an overall summary of his own presentation.

The speaker would have benefitted from Jordan’s evaluation and other Toastmasters would also pick up skills toward presenting their own evaluations.

Everyone is a winner a Toastmasters.

If you want to lift your speaking abilities, your confidence, or further develop leadership skills, contact us at Sunrise Toastmasters.

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