If you don't make mistakes, you're not working on hard enough problems. And that's a big mistake. - F. Wilezek

Evaluation Tips

Do's and Don'ts

DO:

1. Show that you are interested.

   • Focus on helping the speaker rather than your own delivery skills.

2. Consider the speaker's objectives.

   • Read the speech project.

   • Read the evaluation guide for the project.

   • Talk with the speaker about any concerns prior to the speech.

3. Personalize your language.

   • Carefully select the language you use.

   • Use language such as "I was impressed..." or "I was confused..." rather than heavy language such as "You didn't..." or "You should have..."

4. Evaluate the speech, not the person.

   • Help the speaker communicate in a more effective manner. Do not evaluate the speaker's ideas for quality.

5. Promote self-esteem.

   • Give honest and sincere praise, positive reinforcement when improvements occur and helpful direction when necessary.

6. Select two or three points and focus on them.

7. When commenting on an item for improvement, offer a suggestion on how to improve.

8. Look directly at the speaker in a friendly, non-threatening manner. Smile!

9. End on a positive note.

10. Follow up with the speaker after the meeting to talk about the evaluation.

 

Don't:

1. Whitewash.

   • Do not give an evaluation full of empty compliments.

2. Recap the speech.

   • This fills up precious time and does not help the speaker.

3. Do not repeat a point once you have made it.

   • Repeating a point can sound like nagging.

4. Avoid making impersonal statements implying someone else is giving the evaluation.

5. Avoid words such as "never" or "always".

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