The General Evaluator is just what the name implies – an evaluator who assesses how, in general, the meeting went. The responsibilities of the General Evaluator are great, but so are the rewards.

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The General Evaluator should act as a positive force during the meeting. He/She should provide comments and assessments in a manner that helps his/her fellow Toastmasters develop their speaking skills. He should make his/her observations in a way that builds, or at least preserves, the speakers’ self-esteem. Although he/she needs to make the meeting’s participants aware of their weaknesses and bad habits, he/she cannot dwell on those things; he also has to draw their attention to their strengths and good habits.

Upon arrival at the meeting — Sit near the back of the room to allow yourself full view of the meeting and its participants.

During the meeting —Take notes on everything good and bad that happens before and, especially, during the meeting.

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• Did the Sergeant at Arms have everything set up before the meeting began?

• Was a greeter present to welcome members and guests?

• Did everybody arrive on time?

• How well did the Toastmaster lead the meeting?

• Did the eyes and ears team do what it was supposed to do?

• Was there anything special about what the Joke Master and/or the Word Master did or did not do?

• Can you comment on the contributions of the Table Topics Master and the members he/she called on to give impromptu speeches? Was there something they did exceptionally well? If so, explain why what they did was so good.

• Can you comment on the quality of the speech evaluations? Were they upbeat? Did they provide advice that the speakers could use to improve their speaking abilities?  Did they miss anything in their evaluations? Remember that you do not have to comment on all of them and that you should not reevaluate the main speakers. Try to give specifics rather than generalities. Look for good and less than desirable examples of preparation, organization, delivery, enthusiasm, observation skills, and the participants’ general performance of their duties.

 

Wrap up you general evaluation of the meeting by saying something positive.