From Adam Straker, St Paul's Speakers
In case you missed out, here are some of my favourite bits from Hilary Briggs’ Evaluations Workshop at St Paul’s Speakers earlier this month:
However Good You Are there’s Always Room for Improvement
Be mindful of where your weaknesses lie. Seek them out and work out how to improve in those areas.
How to Structure an Evaluation
Any good evaluation should have two commendations, two recommendations and a further big commendation – followed by a summary.
Use Examples
Support your commendations and recommendations with examples to further illustrate your points.
Be Selective
Be mindful of the objectives of the speech and of what the speaker wants to achieve and tailor your evaluation accordingly.
Be Curious
Ask yourself questions: what is the purpose of the speaker? Has this been made clear? Trust your feelings – they will make you a better evaluator!
Be Selfless
As Hilary said “you are there to keep the focus on the speaker and to help the audience.” This is not about you so keep your eyes on the prize and leave your ego at home.
Find Opportunities to Practice
ABE – Always Be Evaluating. On TV, DVDs, and at work; “you can start right now!”
Load Your Brain
What are the objectives of the different types of speech? An understanding of speech objectives will help you to cut through the fat to the very points that you need to be focussing on.
Think of the Bigger Picture
Better evaluators make better managers and leaders. They can inspire and motivate their staff with positive feedback and tactfully and encouragingly address any problems that might arise.
Every Word Has Got to Count
This is a direct quotation from Hilary and exemplifies the point so well that I needn’t say any more.
That’s it from me – I have already exceeded my word-limit. All that’s left is to send a massive Thank You to Hilary from me and the rest of the lucky members of St Paul’s Speakers who learned so much from this excellent workshop
