Quora Answer: How Do I Evaluate a 20-Minute Toastmasters Speech with Question & Answer at the End?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “How do I evaluate a 20 minute Toastmasters speech with question and answer at the end?  Is it done any differently from regular speeches?”

You evaluate any speech based on the project objectives.  While a longer speech means you have more material to evaluate, the time for project delivery still remains 2 to 3 minutes.  This is how you go about it. 

First, take note of the opening statement, and how the speaker sets the context and stage.  Does the opening statement capture the essence of the speech, and seize audience attention?  Then, take note of the material.  It is important to consider whether the points are relevant, the argument for or against coherent, and the narrative pacing congruent.  Regardless of how long a speech is, these still hold true.  Finally, consider the conclusion, and whether it ties to the rest of the speech, especially the opening statement.  Is there a clear call to action?  Does the entirety of the speech delivered fulfill the project objectives? 

When it comes to the question and answer segment, if it is meant to be evaluated, consider how the speaker addresses the contentions raised, and manage the audience.  Not every question needs to be answered.  It is important to consider whether the speaker has managed to fully address a line of questioning.  How does the speaker manage the time, and how does he end the question segment? 

When it comes to the delivery of your evaluation, you must understand that the primary purpose of any evaluation is to ensure that the speaker is motivated and encouraged to give another, better speech.  Begin with the positives.  When it comes to improvements, no matter how many faults you find, only mention three at most.  No one is able to fix twenty things for their next speech.  That is also demoralising.  The speaker need only fix one thing for the next speech, since this is a journey of incremental improvement.  All we want is for them to be better every time they speak.  Finally, end your evaluation with an overall summary.