The Table Topics Evaluator

The Table Topics Evaluator evaluates everyone who delivers a table topic. They do not evaluate the Table Topics Master (that is the General Evaluator’s role).

Each evaluation is based on your objective opinion of the speech. It is not telling members how it should be done.

Prior to the meeting:

1. Read these guidelines. They relate specifically to the role of Table Topics Evaluator in our club.
2. Evaluating a table topic is like evaluating a speech in miniature. Approach it in the same way. To help you evaluate Table Topics, read as much as you can about speech evaluation. Sources include the club website, your CC manual, your CL manual, the Toastmaster’s booklet included in your new member pack, back issues of Toastmaster’s magazines and Toastmaster’s International website (www.toastmasters.org).
3. Try to attend Evaluation education sessions in the club and Evaluation Workshops in or outside the club.
4. Ask you mentor for help, if necessary.

At the meeting:

1. Arrive early, at least by 7.15pm, and let the Toastmaster know you are there.
2. If you are working on the CL manual, ask one of the members to evaluate you, give them the manual and make sure they complete it by the end of the evening.

During the Table Topics session:

1. Listen carefully to each speaker!
2. Write down each speaker’s name
3. Notice where they are sitting in the room so that you can look at them and include them when you give your evaluation.
4. Write notes on each speaker. It is useful to draw a line down the middle of your paper. On one side write things they did well. On the other side write suggestions for improvement. That way, your notes will be organised and easy to read when you give your report.
5. Don’t try to write everything down or you may get lost in your notes later.
6. Take into account the speaker’s level of skill and the stage reached in the manuals (if you know).
7. Count the number of speakers. Calculate 30 seconds per speaker, add 30 seconds for your introduction plus 30 seconds for presenting ribbons. This is your total time.

Your evaluation (approx 30 seconds for each speaker):

1. Deliver your evaluation from or in front of the lectern (not from your seat).
2. Never compare the speaker to another speaker or member.
3. Give constructive, balanced feedback, i.e. talk about 1 or 2 things the speaker did well and 1 or 2 points for improvement.
4. Focus on the above. Don’t ramble, make jokes, talk about your own experiences. No one is interested and it makes you seem nervous. Also, you won’t have time!
5. Be confident in your own opinion, i.e. don’t try to be nice and “whitewash”- give only praise. That is of no value to the speaker.
6. Avoid the temptation to go over the content – stick to how the speech was delivered.
7. Don’t address only the speaker, try to include the rest of the audience. The points you raise are useful to them also.
8. Make each evaluation a well structured mini speech lasting 30 seconds using the skills you have learned as your performance will be evaluated at the end of the evening – by the General Evaluator.
9. You may present a ribbon for Best TT, Most Improved TT or Best Gestures to the member or guest whom you think has shown particular skill or made an obvious improvement. This is not compulsory.

How this role helps you

1. You will enhance your listening skills by listening intently – the pace is faster.
2. You will practise making quick and accurate evaluations. No time for indecisiveness.
3. You will practice evaluating the very good and the not so good speech in the same evening.
4. You will learn to focus your evaluations.
5. You will practise delivering several well focused, well structured mini speeches to the members.
6. You will practise time management skills.
7. You may be able to use it to advance your CL manual.
8. You will feel more confident about entering evaluation contests.