If an evaluation can act as a mirror which enables our speakers to see themselves through our eyes, ears and mind; then it is approaching the “gift” longed for by Lord Byron.

We hear evaluators sometimes say, "I don't like to find fault with people." They express an attitude for which we can be thankful.

Fortunately, an appropriate Toastmaster Evaluation is not fault finding, criticizing, or even critiquing. Nor is it "constructive criticism," if you agree with Zig Zigler's statement, "I've never heard any criticism that was constructive."

The word, "Evaluation," means: "to determine or to asertain the value of." For example; if we were to ask a realtor to provide an evaluation of a piece of property, we certainly wouldn’t expect a "fault finding report," but an appraisal of its value.

First we can seek to determine the "value" in the speaker's preparation, subject knowledge and skill with which they presented their speech. And let the speaker know what we discovered.

Second, we can try to give something of "value" back to the speaker that may help them communicate their message more clearly and effectively the next time they speak.

One District 3 Toastmaster's favorite phrase as an evaluator is: "Each speaking experience should be a pleasant one."

We can help provide that type experience by giving evaluations based on a "value" perspective. An evaluation can be a helpful gift to a speaker; the gift of seeing themselves as others see them.