Evaluation Contest
The Global Toastmasters Resource
A Toastmasters Contest in which competitors are judged in the role of Evaluator. Contestants compete in club contests, then winners go on to the Area, Division, and District contests.
[edit] In the contest
A speech is given by a “Test Speaker” or “Presenter”, and contestants give a verbal evaluation, just as if they were fulfilling the meeting role of Evaluator. Each contestant gives her evaluation without being able to hear any of the other contestants, has a limited time to prepare her evaluation, and must give her evaluation without the use of notes.
[edit] Tips
A contest does require a particular focus, if you are going to get all the support from the judges. While there are no rules that will ensure success, consider these ideas:
- Keep it simple (not too many points for the Presenter to take on board)
- Minimise the use of notes
- Adhere strictly to the Commend-Recommend-Commend sequence. Keep your evaluation easy to follow.
- Make sure you review the Judging Criteria—it will help you know what the judges are looking for.
- Make sure your Summary does not introduce new content.
- Practice. Take every opportunity to evaluate speakers whom you do not know. Evaluate even when you are not the designated evaluator. Evaluate even when you are not at a Toastmasters meeting.
