GENERAL EVALUATOR

The General Evaluator is just what the name implies — an evaluator of anything and everything that takes place throughout the meeting. The responsibilities are large, but so are the rewards. The evaluation team consists of the Speech Evaluators, Timer, Grammarian, Word Master, Ah Counter, and Table Topics Evaluator. The usual procedure is to have one Evaluator for each major speaker, but this is not necessary. You are free to set up any procedure you wish, but each evaluation should be brief, yet complete.

Prior to the meeting — Check with the Toastmaster to find out how the program will be conducted and if there are any planned deviations from the usual meeting format. Remember, always be ready when the meeting starts.

Emphasize that evaluation is a positive, helping act. As conscientious Toastmasters, Evaluator’s goals must be to help fellow Toastmasters develop their skills. Emphasize that evaluations should preserve or at least enhance the self-esteem of the speaker. Evaluation is a positive experience designed to help people overcome weak habits and add power to good ones.

Upon arrival at the meeting — Sit near the back of the room to allow yourself full view of the meeting and its participants.

During the meeting — Take notes on everything that happens (or doesn’t but should). For example: Is the club’s property (trophies, banner, educational material, etc.) properly displayed? If not, why? Were there unnecessary distractions that could have been avoided?. Did the meeting, and each segment of it, begin and end on time? Cover any participants on the program. Look for good and less than desirable examples of preparation, organization, delivery, enthusiasm, observation and general performance of duties. Remember, you are not to reevaluate the speakers, though you may wish to add something that the evaluator may have missed.

Comment on the quality of evaluations. Were they positive, upbeat, helpful? Did they point the way to improvement? Try to give specifics rather than generalities.

Wrap up by giving your general evaluation of the meeting, using the notes you took as suggested above.