EVALUATING SPEECHES

For evaluating speeches we consider the following: Speech Objectives, Speech Content and Structure (Before the Speech, the Speech Opening, the Speech Body, the Speech Conclusion). We also consider the Delivery Skills and Methods (Enthusiasm and Connection to the Audience, Humour, Visual Aids, Use of Stage Area, Physical-Gestures and Eye Contact, Vocal Variety, Language, and Intangibles).

Speech Objectives

• What is the speaker’s goal? Is it to educate, to motivate, to persuade, or to entertain?
• What is the primary message being delivered?
• Why is this person delivering this speech? Are they the right person?
• Was the objective achieved?

Speech Content and Structure

Before the Speech

• Were there other speakers before this one? Were their messages similar, opposed, or unrelated?
• How was the speaker introduced? Was it appropriate?
• Did the introduction establish why the audience should listen to this speaker with this topic at this time?
• What body language was demonstrated by the speaker as they approached the speaking area? Body language at this moment will often indicate their level of confidence.

The Speech Opening

• Was a hook used effectively to draw the audience into the speech? Or did the speaker open with a dry “It’s great to be here today.“
• Did the speech open with a story? A joke? A startling statistic? A controversial statement? A powerful visual?
• Did the speech opening clearly establish the intent of the presentation?
• Was the opening memorable?

The Speech Body

• Was the presentation focused? i.e. Did all arguments, stories, anecdotes relate back to the primary objective?
• Were examples or statistics provided to support the arguments?
• Were metaphors and symbolism use to improve understanding?
• Was the speech organized logically? Was it easy to follow?
• Did the speaker bridge smoothly from one part of the presentation to the next?

The Speech Conclusion

• Was the conclusion concise?
• Was the conclusion memorable?
• If appropriate, was there a call-to-action?

Delivery Skills and Techniques

Enthusiasm and Connection to the Audience

• Was the speaker enthusiastic? How can you tell?
• Was there audience interaction? Was it effective?
• Was the message you– and we-focused, or was it I- and me-focused?

Humour

• Was humor used?
• Was it safe and appropriate given the audience?
• Were appropriate pauses used before and after the punch lines, phrases, or words?
• Was it relevant to the speech?

Visual Aids

• Were they designed effectively?
• Did they complement speech arguments?
• Was the use of visual aids timed well with the speaker’s words?
• Did they add energy to the presentation or remove it?
• Were they simple and easy to understand?
• Were they easy to see? e.g. large enough
• Would an additional visual aid help to convey the message?

Use of Stage Area

• Did the speaker make appropriate use of the speaking area?

Physical – Gestures and Eye Contact

• Did the speaker’s posture display confidence and poise?
• Were gestures natural, timely, and complementary?
• Were gestures easy to see?
• Does the speaker have any distracting mannerisms?
• Was eye contact effective in connecting the speaker to the whole audience?

Vocal Variety

• Was the speaker easy to hear?
• Were loud and soft variations used appropriately?
• Was the pace varied? Was it slow enough overall to be understandable?
• Were pauses used to aid understandability, heighten excitement, or provide drama?

Language

• Was the language appropriate for the audience?
• Did the speaker articulate clearly?
• Were sentences short and easy to understand?
• Was technical jargon or unnecessarily complex language used?
• What rhetorical devices were used? e.g. repetition, alliteration, the rule of three, etc.

Intangibles

• How did the speech make you feel?
• Were you convinced?
• Would you want to listen to this speaker again?
• Were there any original ideas or techniques?