Toastmasters Evaluator
In Toastmasters, evaluation is a cornerstone of the educational program, serving as a continuous feedback mechanism designed to help members improve their public speaking and leadership skills . It involves observing speeches and leadership roles of fellow club members and providing constructive feedback, both verbally and in writing. This process is considered by many to be the most valuable aspect of Toastmasters, as it fosters a supportive environment where members feel heard and are motivated to continue practicing and learning .
The core purpose of evaluation in Toastmasters is to support, help, and encourage the speaker, focusing on their actions related to the speech rather than personal qualities. Evaluators are tasked with providing objective feedback that includes both praise and constructive criticism. This dual approach ensures that speakers understand what they did well and identify areas for improvement.
Key aspects and practices of evaluation in Toastmasters include:
Role of the Evaluator
The evaluator role is crucial for developing active listening, critical thinking, and positive feedback skills . Before a speech, evaluators should discuss the speaker's objectives and any concerns they might have. During the speech, they pay close attention to the speaker's goals for self-improvement and observe what the speaker does, not who they are. After the speech, evaluators deliver their feedback, which is an excellent opportunity to practice and demonstrate their own speaking skills.
Principles of Effective Evaluation
Effective evaluations are characterized by honesty, positivity, and personalization. Evaluators are encouraged to use "I" phrases, such as "I believe…," "My reaction was…," or "I suggest that…," to personalize their language and avoid accusatory phrases like "You didn’t…" or "You should have…". The feedback should always promote self-esteem, motivating and inspiring the speaker to deliver future speeches by offering sincere praise and actionable suggestions for improvement. Ending an evaluation with positive feedback is also a key practice.
Evaluation Resources and Tools
Toastmasters provides various resources to aid in the evaluation process. There are generic evaluation forms applicable to any speech, as well as specific evaluation resources tailored to particular projects within the Pathways learning experience, such as "Evaluation and Feedback," "Active Listening," "Advanced Mentoring," "Building a Social Media Presence," and "Communicate Change". These resources can be downloaded and completed digitally or printed and filled out by hand, depending on the preference of the evaluator and the speaker. For online meetings, digital versions of evaluation forms are accessible, and platforms like WordPress for Toastmasters allow evaluators to complete web-based forms that are then emailed to the speaker and recorded in their profile. This digital integration helps overcome challenges associated with evaluating in online environments, such as reading body language and potential distractions.
Benefits of Evaluation
The benefits of evaluation extend beyond the individual speaker. For the club, evaluations serve as a continuous feedback mechanism, ensuring that the educational program remains effective. For the evaluator, the role enhances critical thinking and the ability to provide constructive feedback. Ultimately, the evaluation process in Toastmasters is designed to create a supportive and growth-oriented environment where members can continuously refine their communication and leadership abilities.
