table topics evaluator
The main purpose of the Topics Evaluator role is to provide a short evaluation for each of the table topics speakers in the form of a spoken report. The main responsibilities of the Topics Evaluator are:
- To take notes during the table topics section of the meeting
- To prepare a short evaluation for each speaker giving constructive feedback and encouragement
- To deliver all the evaluations within the allotted time
Suggested topic feedback format is the ‘sandwich’ i.e. Commendation, Recommendation, Commendation:
Remember:
When focusing on an area of improvement, use phrases such as “I suggest …” or “I recommend …”, instead of statements such as “If I only had one criticism”
Deliver your report in the third person. Refer to each speaker by name and address the whole room.
- Introduce the speaker briefly: e.g. Chris told us about his cat
- Say the one thing you liked and why you liked it
- Give the recommendation and why you’re giving the recommendation
- Say the thing you liked best, and why you liked it so much
Remember:
When focusing on an area of improvement, use phrases such as “I suggest …” or “I recommend …”, instead of statements such as “If I only had one criticism”
Deliver your report in the third person. Refer to each speaker by name and address the whole room.
What are some common mistakes made by a Table Topics Evaluator?
- Spends too much time in setting the stage for the Table Topics Evaluation
- Spends more than a minute for the first Table Topics Speaker
- Not following a uniform structure for the evaluation of all Table Topics speakers
- Trying to point out 'too many strengths' or 'too many areas of improvements' for a speaker
- Not giving any feedback for improvement for some Table Topics speakers. (Note: The mantra of Toastmasters is 'Any speech can be improved')
A Table Topics Evaluator gets about 30 seconds to evaluate each Table Topics speaker. So, what can you do in the 30 seconds that you are given to evaluate a Table Topics speaker?
Here is a set of guidelines that you can use to evaluate Table Topics speeches. You can apply the criteria given below when you take your evaluation notes. When you go to the stage to share the feedback, pick the top 1 or 2 items.
Here is a set of guidelines that you can use to evaluate Table Topics speeches. You can apply the criteria given below when you take your evaluation notes. When you go to the stage to share the feedback, pick the top 1 or 2 items.
- Was the speech organized / structured (i.e., clear introduction, body and conclusion)?
- Content – was the speech relevant to the Topic? Do not expect new toastmasters to adhere to the speech topic. Encourage them to talk even if they can’t talk about the topic.
- Did the speaker speak against the speech topic? (Normally, everyone speaks for the topic. When somebody speaks against the topic and makes it interesting too, you can mention that)
- Were there any references or quotes? Was there a story? Was any rhetoric used?
- Was the speaker nervous?
- How quickly was the speaker able to assimilate his/her thoughts and speak?
- Delivery – did the speaker use Vocal Variety? Eye Contact? Gestures? The whole Stage?
- Did the speaker speak for less than a minute? Encourage speakers to talk for the full 2 minutes.