By critically evaluating the speeches of others, you’ll not only help them, but you will be better able to assess your own strengths and weaknesses as a speaker.

Be Honest and Fair in Your Evaluation

Keep in mind the need to be honest and fair in your evaluation. Sometimes we have a tendency to focus on certain aspects of a speech and, as a result, minimize some of the most important elements. Focusing on a topic that you really like or dislike, for example, may cause you to place undue importance on that speech element. It is also important to remain open to ideas and beliefs that differ from your own. This openness will help your ideas prosper, and improve your role as a citizen engaged with public issues. You can always learn something from differing viewpoints, and, likewise, honest and fair listeners will learn from your viewpoints.

Adjust to the Speaker’s Style

Each of us has a unique communication style, a way of presenting ourselves through a mix of verbal and nonverbal signals. As listeners, we form impressions of speakers based on this communication style. Depending on our own preferences, we may find some speakers dull, others dynamic, still others off-putting, and so on. Adjusting to a speaker means not judging the content of that speaker’s message based on his or her communication style. As listeners, it’s up to us to identify which impressions create the most difficulty and then develop techniques for overcoming any listening problems. Accents, awkward grammatical phrases, and word choice are not good reasons to “tune out” a speaker. Maintaining respect for all types of speakers is a sign of good listening.

Be Compassionate in Your Criticism

How can you critically evaluate a presentation in a way that’s constructive rather than cruel? Consider the following approach:

Peer Evaluation Form

In the space below, offer your evaluation of the speaker. Make your evaluation honest but constructive, providing the sort of feedback that you would find helpful if you were the speaker.