The First Evaluation

John Noonan, who was the President of Toastmasters International at the time, was speaking to our District’s Presidents’ Premiere.  Before his speech, we asked, “who as given their first speech, but hasn’t given an evaluation yet?”  A woman at a table near the front was president of a newly chartered club.  She was one of a few people who raised their hands.  He handed her his manual and asked her to evaluate his speech.  She got up after his speech and did a good job.

Evaluations are the opinion of the person giving it.  Because you aren't an experienced Toastmaster, doesn’t mean your opinion isn’t valuable.  In many ways, it’s more valuable.  It’s a fresh opinion much like the audience we will speak to.