Speech evaluation
Guidelines for Evaluations
1. Over the course of the semester you are required to turn in two evaluations.
2. You may choose any speech that inspires you.
3. The two speeches chosen must be from separate genres. For example: 1 descriptive, 1 intercultural speech, or 1 persuasive, 1 descriptive.
4. The evaluations must be one and a half pages typed and double-spaced.
5. You may choose to evaluate 3-5 of the following categories.
6. Evaluations need to be turned in one week after speeches are completed.
7. Do not evaluate friends, family, spouses and/ or boyfriends/girlfriends. ☺
Categories:
1. Introductions and Conclusions
2. Organization: transition, depth, and time
3. Main points: made sense ; supported central idea
4. Ethics and Audience Analysis
5. Supporting Material/Evidence
6. Visual Aids
7. Dynamics: extemporaneous; enthusiastic
8. Vocal and Verbal Qualities: rate; volume; inflection; language and grammar
9. Body and Facial Qualities: gestures; posture; eye contact
Sample Evaluation
Jordan’s speech about martial arts was too long and too general. The first problem was the organization. After the explanation of the history of martial arts, Jordan began to explain the important contributors of karate. There was too much information, and the main points did not get sufficient explanations. If Jordan would have chosen a few specific main points, the speech would have been stronger.
Although the assignment was not a process speech, Jordan spent a portion of the speech explaining how to perform martial arts. Jordan explained too many complicated moves; there was no way to grasp all the information. In addition, the speech was two minutes over the time. The extra information did nothing to add clarity. In fact, the extra time was overwhelming, since Jordan spent the two minutes leaping in the air. It seemed that Jordan was more interested in showing off her skills, rather than explaining the topic.
To expand on this point, Jordan needed to conduct a
better audience analysis. No one in the class knew anything about martial arts, so the weak explanations and difficult moves bored the class. Perhaps if she explained
techniques that novices could perform, we would investigate the opportunity to take classes.
In terms of body, facial, and vocal qualities, Jordan really made use of her space. Because she was so enthusiastic about her topic, she was very animated and natural in her facial expressions and gestures. Jordan seemed to smile at appropriate times, and used changes in pitch to emphasize the significance and interest of her topic. Even with all of her extensive physical activity, she managed to maintain eye contact with the audience. In the future, with better organization and planning, Jordan can become a stronger speaker.