As we approach the 2008 Speech Evaluation contests it's good to practice our evaluations...at every opportunity.
On his blog, Dr Simon Raybould gives an interesting evaluation of a recent speech by Gordon Brown. Simon wrote this as he was listening to the performance so he was in a similar situation to an Evaluator in a Toastmaster meeting or contest. Read more...
As Evaluators we have to prioritise rapidly as we decide which aspects of a speech to comment on. The impact of someone's vocal style can be a significant factor in the success of a speech. This aspect of the Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama battle which was discussed on Woman's Hour on Radio 4 recently. Talking about Hillary the question was asked:
Has the problem been the impact of the image she has projected: her voice, style and debating technique, against such a charismatic candidate? Her style is contrasted with her rival's by Patsy Rodenburg, Head of Voice in the Drama Department at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Candace Allen, a blogger active with Democrats Abroad UK. Listen again...and decide if you agree.
Why not practice by evaluating this speech "The Maximum Value" from Jim Key, 2003 World Champion of Public Speaking
Or this 2007 International Speech, "Nothing is Impossible", from Toastmaster Amy Samet given at the Region III Contest, Texas?
