How to give a great evaluation

A good evaluation is the most valuable gift in Toastmasters: specific, encouraging feedback that helps a speaker grow. The classic structure is Commend – Recommend – Commend.

The CRC method

1. Commend — Start with what genuinely worked. Be specific: "Your opening story about the airport pulled me in immediately."
2. Recommend — Offer one or two concrete suggestions for next time. Focus on the highest-impact change, not a long list: "Next time, try pausing after your key point to let it land."
3. Commend — Close with encouragement that leaves the speaker motivated to speak again.

Principles

• Evaluate the speech, not the person. Talk about what you saw and heard.
• Use "I" statements. "I found myself wanting more eye contact" lands better than "You didn't make eye contact."
• Be specific. "Great job" helps no one; name the moment.
• Pick one or two things to improve. Too much feedback is impossible to act on.
• Match your evaluation to the project's objectives — each Pathways project lists what the speaker was working on.

Before the meeting

Ask your speaker whether there's anything in particular they'd like you to watch for. It makes your evaluation land — and it's what they'll remember most.