Harry Ansara - The Art of Advanced Evaluation

Conclusion

• Did the speaker successfully summarize the body back to the introduction?

overview

• Did every part of the speech tie together?
• Were the transitions smooth? Was it easy to follow the speech?
• Was it easy to know where the speech is going? And where the he/she was going?

Delivery

• Is the speaker calm, poised, and in control?
• Is the complete stage area used to deliver the message?
• Tip: Stand on the stage before your speech to get a feel for the speaking area.
• Is there a bond between the speaker and the audience?
• Tip: tell a story to create a bond.
• Was there audience participation (e.g. ask a question)?
• Was the speech content appropriate for the audience?
• Tip: Do an audience analysis: who are they?
• Is the speaker passionate and energetic?
• Do you feel energy? Do they believe in what they are saying?
• Don't ever apologize for your passion or how you feel!
• Where there any detracting mannerisms or gestures? Why?

Evaluation Keys

What does that speech mean to me?

• Once you answer that question you are off and running as an evaluator
• You must be an active listener
• Listen analytically
• What did the speech do to me?
• Did it touch me?
• What was the effect of the speech?

Cut out the generalities and going to a specific

• "For me your speech ____"
• "I liked how you ____"
• Don't worry about other evaluators
• Don't worry that you left out something in your evaluation

How many suggestions for improvement should you give?

• 3? 4? 5? It's up to you
• I like to limit it to three main points
• There are growth points...however...end it by being positive
• End with a summary of positive reinforcement

Avoid vague words of praise

• "That was excellent"
• "That was fantastic"
• Tell them WHY, then they'll know how to be a better speaker

Know your speaker

• The more you know the speaker/member you are reviewing the easier it is to evaluate
• Is there a pattern in their presentation style?
• Are they improving in a specific area? If so tell them!

Listen with your eyes

• Watch body language
• Analyze
• Listen to the grammar, alliteration, simile, choice of words?
• Do the words come alive and paint vivid pictures in your mind?
• Quote from the speech "When you said ____ "

Keep your review organized

• Don't worry that you may omit something
• State your points in an orderly manner
• You need organization in your evaluation just like a presentation or a speech
• Summarize the highs and lows
• Keep within your time limit!

Harry's Challenge

• Give a winning evaluation in less than 3 minutes 30 seconds
• Next spring is the Evaluation contest
• I hope all of you enter
• Give the speaker positive feedback, growth points, positive reinforcement in 3:30
• Evaluate as much as you can before hand to gain experience
• Cultivate your own personal style

As I...

As I saw you

• What did I see? How did it make an impact?
• Gestures, facial expressions
• Personal appearance
• What touches you and why?

As I heard you

• Analytical listening
• Quotes
• Language
• Did it touch you? Why?
• Vocal variety, pitch, volume, enthusiasm

As I reacted to you

• What specifically does your speech mean to me?
• Did you achieve your overall purpose (e.g. speech manual goals)?
• Were the manual objectives met?
• If no, then you have an obligation to tell that speaker why
• What suggestion and growth points they should consider to make their next speech better

How do you say it - The Evaluators Language

• Personalize it, create a bond with the speaker
• First person. Personalize
• "I like", "I enjoyed", "I saw", "my impression is", "my feelings are"
• "You touched my heart..." "I firmly believe you met your objectives because..."
• Taking interest in them as a speaker.

The 4 B's of speech evaluation

Be Specific

• Be clear and focused. Be sure. Be specific. Be definite. Don't dilly dally.
• Back up your observation with a reason or an example

Be motivational

• Be positive, specific, and honest. Constructive criticism.
  
• The speaker relies on your honesty to grow

Be positive

• Encourage the speaker to improve
  
• Don't be just all positive in your review -- highlight opportunities to grow
  
• End on a positive note

Be concise

• Be concise: 3:30 seconds max. Fit your time limits
• Eliminate things you might otherwise put in to meet the time limit
• Don't second guess yourself. You did it. You said it. It's done. Stay with it. Learn and move on.

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