Evaluate With Empathy

Before the speech: 

1. Get the project evaluation form; understand the objectives. Your primary job is to evaluate whether the speaker met those objectives. If they haven’t, you need to point it out. Every project in Pathways is intended to help the speaker improve or learn; by ensuring the speaker meets the project objectives, you are doing your job.

2. Ask the speaker if they want feedback on specific areas.

3. Prepare a template to take notes. This helps you organize your observations as the speaker is delivering their speech.

   
   

1. During the speech:

   1. Observe the speaker deeply – with your eyes, ears, and every sense. 

   2. Observe yourself during the speech. Are you bored or energized? Did you disagree with a point or do you want to applaud a brilliant technique they used? Did you catch the speaker doing something unique or new for them?

   3. Take notes in your template.

2. After the speech:

   1. Highlight 2-3 points of commendation.

   2. Plan to mention or enact at least one specific example from the speech to show the speaker what they did well. This helps them trust you were listening, interested and are discerning in your judgement.

   3. Highlight 2-3 points of recommendation.

   4. Plan to mention or demonstrate at least one specific example from the speech to show the speaker how they could do it differently.

3. Construct your evaluation:

   1. A speech evaluation is a speech in itself. A structure brings in clarity so that your target speaker understands your messages easily.

   2. Use a catchy opening and compliment the speaker

   3. Go through the 2-3 points of commendation and recommendation.

   4. Remember to demonstrate one specific example of what they did well and what they could do differently.

4. Deliver your evaluation:

   1. Address both the target speaker and the audience.

   2. Avoid apologizing for or minimizing your feedback. Your points of view are valid.

   3. Speak only from your perspective; avoid speaking on behalf of the audience.

   4. Use positive language, Drop the “did not, should have, could have”.

5. After the meeting:

   1. Share additional details with the speaker in person or over email or message.

   2. Explain any feedback that the speaker found unclear or didn’t agree with.

Remember, feedback is a point of view. As a speaker, you don’t need to agree with all your speech evaluator’s points. As a speech evaluator, you can deliver your feedback; it’s up to the speaker whether to accept it or not.