Essential Elements for Effective Evaluation

It’s that time of the year again when Toastmasters from all over the world kick into high gear in preparation for the annual Humourous and Evaluation Speech Contests.

For the uninitiated, the Evaluations in the Toastmasters simply means “giving feedback” - and for that matter, constructive feedback to contribute to the growth of its members. Whilst the act of giving feedback may sound like a no-brainer, giving an effective one is both an art and a science - and it’s a highly relevant skill which can be applied to both work and life.

Imagine your 14-year-old, highly sensitive teenager failing his/her quiz at school and you’re required to troubleshoot it lest it gets worse. Or if he/she seems to be less than concerned about their behaviour in the public eye and you need to put their actions “back on track” lest they form a habit. Same goes for motivating your subordinates at work, or getting them to improve on their productivity - evaluations require both tack and skill - and Evaluations during Toastmasters Club meetings can help you hone that!

That said, I’ve spent close to two years with the Toastmasters and I’ve been fortunate enough to gather some pretty slick strategies when it comes to delivering an effective evaluation and since the evaluation contest is right round the corner again, I guess there’s no better time for me to share some of these “secrets” used by some of the top Evaluators in District 80!

Yes, it’s taken me close to 2 years to compile and distill them, so rest assured they’re good stuff!

Here they are:

NUS COMMENCEMENT 2008!

The National University Of Singapore (NUS)’s convocation ceremony, commonly known as the Commencement ceremony, was held from 7th - 15th of July 2008, at the NUS University Cultural Centre.

To say that it was an amazing experience wouldn’t really do it much justice - especially for me and my group of friends. Before you even begin your well wishes and congratulations, I’d like to clarify first that I wasn’t among the list of proud graduates this year! Rather, I was amongst a handful of privileged presenters selected from a list of 200 to host the event’s Pre-Ceremony Show!

Yes, it was an immensely exciting and exhilarating experience, for it was the first time the 5 of us had ever worked before a camera and present a show LIVE on air.

Personally, I felt that speaking before a camera during the LIVE Show opened up a whole new spectrum of challenges where public speaking is concerned. One of it, of course, would be handling the stresses that surround you as you are required to deal and react to the flurry of activity that’s happening before you - off camera. Not only do you have to keep a lid on your own nervousness, you are also required to react as calmly and as composed as possible in reaction to changes in programme etc.

Perhaps, another challenge of doing a live show would be dealing with that fact that every little thing you’re doing would be recorded on camera and beamed to over hundreds, if not thousands of viewers seated in the hall or in the comfort of their homes over the internet.

Of course, these challenges are not exhaustive, and you could say that we asked for it when we sent in our applications and auditioned for it! Still, this was a great learning experience - and to share with you more about it, I’ve invited one of my co-hosts from the event to share some of his experience gained from working on the set.

Here’s what he has got to share:

So Anand, tell us a little something about yourself

I’m a fourth year honours undergraduate in the Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Singapore. I’ve been hosting/emceeing since JC days and I was part of my school’s debating team in secondary school. I love to explore the artistic arena and am involved in NUS drama productions as a dancer.

In addition, I’ve done a music video for a variety program for Vasantham Central in 2007. I always admire hosts and emcees as they are the ones who control the flow of events with the mic and I always learn from the experience of others.

What made you apply/try out for the position of Live Presenter for NUS Commencement 2008?

I always like to try out new stuff and love challenges. I was having loads of free time on my cards during the summer holidays and saw a good opportunity to gain further experience in the hosting arena.

Was it your first time presenting a live show? How was the experience like when you first started?

Yes! It was exciting and fun! I’ve done recorded programs before but to go on air live knowing that any errors will not be able to be cut out adds pressure to be cautious but I guess I was cool and composed to handle the pressure.

What were some problems you encountered during the live shows & how did you overcome them?

One problem I would definitely like to mention is remembering so many names, the honours terms, the professors names and who to turn the next item to on air. I learnt the art of remembering certain names and I always looked through the script before going on air. In addition, I chat with the interviewee prior to going on air just to make sure I got the names right. It was indeed fun!

How did the sessions become easier as the days went by?

It definitely becomes easier and so comfortable as you know what to do and what to expect and the events juz keeps flowing…Once u pick up the trick of the trade, ya sure to do well!

What were some of the learning lessons gained from this experience?

Firstly, you have to make the interviewee feel comfortable and at ease. Coz, once they get nervous, they tend to blabber or rather go blank. I speak to them as a friend prior to the live show and make them feel relaxed and joke with them. Secondly, I learnt to be prepared for the unexpected. For example, at the last minute while interviewing a graduate on air, I was told to interview a alumni graduate thereafter . So it really helps to be prepared mentally and with the questions up in your mind! Thirdly, the producer and video crew are your good friends. They will prompt you on the spot with cues to assist you in presenting the right names if needed and they make you look good on screen!

Tell us what was the most memorable experience you’d gotten from hosting the pre show?

The whole experience is memorable itself! It’s a great pleasure to share in the joy of the graduating students and their parents. Their aura of happiness rubs onto me. It is also great to meet talented fellow presenters and good friends in the backstage crew. The experience rocks!

Do you have any words of advice/encouragement to share with those who are afraid of speaking up in public?

Speaking in public might look difficult initially due to the many eyes on you. But, fret not and believe in yourself! That’s the key to public speaking. Be confident of yourself and know what you wana say. U are the King/Queen once you get hold of the mic! Speaking in public is an art that gets better with experience!

Bonus: Do you have anything else to share?

You will never be able to know what ya capable of unless you try it out and experience it yourself! Spread ya wings and embrace opportunities. You will truly value the experience juz like I did! Carpe Diem! Cheers!

- - - - - - - - - - -

Anand is also a free-lance host and he may be contacted at the following:

E-mail: papadamburger@hotmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=896550631

Related Posts:
Effective Emceeing

Viva Victoria! - VJC Public Speaking Bootcamp

It’s been over a month now… yet I still can’t get them out of my head! I’m referring to the vivacious students from Victoria Junior College!

You see, I was given the unique opportunity to conduct the 2 day public speaking bootcamp for the group of pre-university students, and it was a blast spending time with everyone at the Singapore Management University (SMU)!

I was immensely impressed with the group’s desire to learn and better themselves

Miscommunication: When “You’re Wrong” Actually Means “You’re Right!”

I was sharing a meal with a couple a few days back and I got to witness a hilarious spectacle - they were arguing with each other. And it all began with the word “No.”

Alright… it didn’t really begin with the word “No”. But it was the word that sparked the argument between men and wife when everything really began as an one-sided explanation to a third party (me).

You see, Denise was explaining to me some of her concerns she had about an employee of hers. Unable to comprehend her motivation for some of her actions and decisions, I enquired further. However, much of the subsequent explanation and elaboration failed to enlighten me. That was when her husband attempted to make things clearer…

Speaking Without Fear - Are You Afraid of Yourself?

I was taking a little walk the other day when I bumped into this young chap at a bus stop. He was slightly taller, well dressed and proper in his nice shirt and pants. I was in a red jersey, white sports shorts and sandals.

He looked like he was ready to take the world by storm. I looked like I was ready to be hoisted out on a flag pole as the flag of Singapore or Indonesia!

Yes, he was making me look bad by simply standing next to him.

Unable to bear the awkward silence, I broke the silence first and started small talk. It was weird at first. He probably thought I was gay or something. But I managed to win him over after about 30seconds after we both eyed the same cute girl who walked past the both of us…

Anyway, I digress!

We began talking about the weather, how wretched and unpredictable it was and how it was more comfortable to be wearing a light jersey, shorts and sandals as compared to his expensive suit (woo hoo!). Then we began talking about our work. He was an accountant working in one of the local SME (small and medium enterprises) and introduced myself as training in communication and public speaking skills.

By then, our conversation was on autopilot as we waited for our bus to arrive. The name of the “pilot” in my conversation was “Mr Curiosity” as I allowed it to direct and fish out some of the challenges my new found friend had with public speaking. Apparently, it was the usual - fear of failure/falling flat on stage, how to keep the audience interested and what are the things he should do on stage etc.

I’ve heard these things pretty much all the time now - and I must admit it that I face it all the time too. Yet, I’ve also come to recognise that fear can be a powerful ally, and I’ve since learned to let it direct my attention towards areas I need to shore up when I’m preparing to speak.

Yet, the revelations I got from my new friend did remind me of a a couple of pointers too when it comes to managing fear. Here are some of them:

*** My new friend and I aren’t that different - so are many of the people we’ve met and will meet.

Strangers are just friends you haven’t met. Essentially, most of us face the same concerns and face the same challenges. In fact, because our society’s structured and conditioned in a certain way, most of us even share similar values that we can all relate too!

The significance of this revelation is this - if many other people share the same concerns and value as I do, then there’s a higher chance I will be able to relate to them! Or if I don’t, then I there’s at least a higher chance that I would be able to guess correctly what are some of the values, challenges and concerns that other people face when it comes to a particular topic/event/subject!

Of course, I’m taking quite a wild shot in presenting this theory. After all, it’s hard to apply such a generic theory to specific situations or circumstances when there’re specific requirements to be met and cultures to adhere too. Still, it’s a start, and that start can lead you to finding the things you need to meet those expectations - via research.

You see, at the end of the day, researching via interviews and statistics will be able to give you a feel of the general sentiment, mood and perspectives of the people that you’ll be talking to. The best thing you could realise after conducting your research, however, is to realise that you’re not all that different from the people you were afraid to speak to.

In that instance, you would come to realise that your audience are actually extensions of yourself and your friends. They’re not as hostile as you think - and there’s no need to be afraid either.

The key challenge here, however, is for you to research, prepare and preempt the reactions of your audience. Only then would you be in a better position to engage and endear yourself to the people whom you wish to connect with - fearlessly.

Related Posts
Fear Busters - 10 Tips to Overcome Stage Fright

You Make a Difference!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead

We go about doing many things in life. Sometimes, we get so used to doing certain things and being so comfortable with certain people that we start taking them for granted - and forget about the differences they make in our lives.

A friend of mine hadn’t. She found this beautiful email in her inbox one day, and she took the time to send it to me, as a way of thanking me for a difference in her life.

This was the story (in video form), she sent me:

I think the story’s an enlightening read, simply because it highlights how one seemingly small action, and a seemingly minuscule initiative could snowball and impact someone’s life in ways that we could never imagine.

One of the biggest ironies in life, and idiosyncrasies of Man has always been how we seem hope and seek to be make a difference, and yet forget about the seemingly simple and easily doable gestures which can really make a big difference in the lives of other people.

You don’t have to be a star or celebrity to effect change, really. All you need is a willingness to express appreciation and the initiative take the first step. After all, you don’t have to be “great”, to be great!

Be great by making a difference! Spread the joy now by sharing with them this video or this post. Or if you really want to get the pictures for your email, you may get them below! Otherwise (if you can wait) you can send me a mail and I’ll forward them to you! It might take awhile, but I’ll do my best!

Make someone smile today! Make a difference by telling them how they’ve made a difference in your life, today!

Don’t wait! Make a difference, today!

Power Failure - How Not to Use Your Body…

It has often been said that sound and words - the verbal and vocal aspects of communication, aren’t the only way to transmit and communicate ideas. And that’s true as far as the Vocal, Verbal and Visual trinity are concerned. Therefore, as speakers and presenters on stage, we’re often required to rely on not only the power of words and vocal variety, we’d often need to supplement them with our gestures, expressions, poise and general movements on stage.

Now, having shared with everyone earlier about the some of the moves that speakers can use on stage in my post on Power Moves, I’ve been receiving requests to follow up on that post with an entry of moves to avoid on stage. Now I use the word “avoid” because I’ve never believed in the concept of absolutes. The moves that I’m about to show you will have it’s uses in specific circumstances. However, their use should be kept to a minimal, if not zero, during general speeches and general circumstances.

So, now that I’ve got my disclaimer out of the way, let us start by examining some of the troublesome tendencies we have on stage:

Guess Who’s Back?

The Woodcutter’s Story

A woodcutter got a job to fell eight trees per day. He purchased a sharp axe, and set off into the woods. With his axe, he started chopping the first large tree, and it fell quickly. By early afternoon, he had cut eight trees, and set off for the tavern. There he met a friend, and said, ‘I’ve got an easy job. I can fell eight trees by early afternoon, and then take it easy for the rest of the day.’ And so it went for the next few days, with afternoons spent drinking and telling tall tales. But then the friend noticed that the woodcutter started showing up a little later, looking more tired. He started to complain of the hard work, and the long days.

One day, the friend waited until it was dark, but still, the woodcutter didn’t show up at the tavern. He got a lantern
and set out for the woods, where he found his friend still chopping away at a tree. Looking around, he saw that only five trees had been felled that day. Turning to the wood cutter he asked, ‘What is the matter – why don’t you come to the tavern any more?’ The woodcutter didn’t stop to answer, but just kept on chopping. His friend noticed that very few chips were flying, and those that did, were small. So he said, ‘Why don’t you stop, and sharpen your axe? It has gotten dull, and isn’t doing a good job any more. Take it into town, and have the blacksmith sharpen it.’ The woodcutter snarled at him, ‘Can’t you see that I am way behind. I still need to cut three more trees today, and it’s already late. I don’t have time to get my axe sharpened!’

He turned, and started chopping again. The friend shook his head sadly, and set off for the tavern.

* * *

Rest: The simple concept that has often been taken for granted. How many of us have made the mistake of attempting to go the extra mile without taking a break or breather?

Well, it’s taken close to a month since my last entry (again!)… I’m sorry for my extended recluse once more. Unlike the first time that happened earlier this year, my absence was not a result of an impending catastrophe. Rather, the reason for my extended absence was due to a self-imposed 2-week break that followed the end of my exams in the first week of May.

In any case, I’ve received some well-wishing emails from some of you over the past month and I’m really grateful for everybody’s concern. And, now that I’m back, I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be uploading my long-delayed post on the Don’t of Gestures on Stage within the next week, as well as my series of book reviews too!

Also in the pipeline are a series of revamps on this site, as well as a series of updates and coverage of the events I’ve worked on during my “break” (yes… I had to work too even when I’d wanted to lie low!)

Well my dear friends, I’m proud to announce that I’m fully rested, rejuvenated and… BORED! And that means I’m going to restart by channeling all my energies into resuming my blog and training work!

Watch this space for more exciting posts and material! And help spread the word too - I’ll be working on some free gifts to reward all of my loyal readers over the past 2 years!

SO!!!

WATCH THIS SPACE!

The Power of Personality!

Oh dear me! I’d never thought I’d see such an example of personality on stage! And I’m glad I did!

You see, I’m not a big fan of television (amazing, considering how we used to be inseparable when I was younger), but as fate would have it, I switched it on today just in time to catch the latest episode of American Idol on tv! Now, I’m not a big fan of the series either. I’ve nothing against it, I’m just not glued to it. But, I’m so glad that I’d managed to chance upon it today - simply because of the example I want to show you pertaining to the power of personality on stage!

Yes! That episode got me so excited that I’ve decided to blog about it now (whilst I’m still in the middle of preparing for my examinations…)!

Alright, enough preliminaries! Here’s a quick lowdown of the episode to give you a little more information about what I’m all excited about:

Keys to a Question - How to Sound Intelligent when Asking a Question?

How many of us have had the following experience: We listen intently to the mechanics and instructions during a lecture/briefing session and our brilliant brains identify a gap/question which needs to be addressed. Yet, gripped with fear and shyness, we let the questions pass… only to have them surface later during the course of our work, or allow a co-worker/rival steal ahead of us to “showcase” their wonderful thought process and impress the boss?

Breaking the silence and raising a question can be an extremely scary prospect. Sometimes, it’s really out of respect that we do not wish to rock the boat or question the speaker’s authority or intelligence that keeps us quiet. Other times, we’re just afraid of looking stupid because we’re afraid that we might ask the “wrong” question.

Well, regardless the reason for your fear, I’ve got news to share with you!:

THERE’S A SAFE AND SOUND WAY TO ASK QUESTIONS WITHOUT RUNNING THE RISK OF LOOKING STUPID OR SHOWING DISRESPECT TO THE SPEAKER!!!

(PS: And it could boost your perceived intelligence too! *winks*)

Won’t you like to find out how asking questions can be a painless and rewarding process? Check out the following keys you can use to ignite your question:

Mom’s Lesson #7 - Love + Sacrifce

I could still remember the days. It was dark, cold, and I was sweaty. My bed was soaked with perspiration and the room was warm and stuffy. More often than not, I’d be running a temperature, and I’d be feeling miserable. There, as I tossed, turned and drifted in shallow sleep, the ceilings lights were flicked on.

Then as I lay there in misery, a calm and soothing voice would rouse me from my hollowed sleep, saying, “It’s time to have your medicine, boy”.

A spoonful of cough mixture, a handful of tablets, and a glass of water were the normal concoction of ‘potions’ that often greet me in the dead of night. Slowly, gently, they were fed into my hands, for me to toss into my mouth, before I wade back to dream… at 3am in the morning.

At 5 years old, I didn’t know it but my Mom was teaching me the biggest lesson of my life.

Mom’s Lesson #6 - Go Forth, and Explore! As Long as It’s Good for You

Those of you who read my earlier post would have realised by now that I’m not one who really fancies studying. One of the reasons for my disinterest really has got to do with the standards set my brother, really. After a few years of trying, and the with the lure of Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Command and Conquer, I eventually succumbed to the temptations of procrastination, recreation and procrastination. Things weren’t very rosy back then.

Yet, whatever I lacked academically, I’d excelled activitically (is there even such a word?!). Yet, through it all, my mom never stopped me from pursuing and exploring my interest and activities which she thought would do me good.

Mom’s Lesson #5 - Just do Your Best

As a student, studying was probably the activity that I least enjoyed (then again, I guess that pretty much applies to everyone too). The television was my best friend when I was in primary school. That black box of animation, movement and sound was my best friend in the house! We were practically inseparable. Well, I exaggerate. I did possess enough self control to peel my eyes of the television… but in most cases it was because the cartoons had ended, and I decided to play with my toys and transformers figures.

My abject indiscipline where studying was concerned often had Mum up in arms.

Mom’s Lesson #4 - Just a Little Bit More

Children can be unbelievably hard to coax at times. When this happens, my mother does not necessarily need to resort to the sort of “penalties” to discipline us and get us to conform. Yet, neither will she allow us to have our way when my siblings and I refuse to follow through with the some simple tasks in life

Mom’s Lesson #3 - Discipline & Respect for Your Elders!

Dear Parents,

have you had sleepless nights wondering how your child might turn out in the future? Whether they would ever be able to fit into the scary place that is society when they grow up?

Well, stop wondering and start working to prepare your child for the future! And what better way to start than by getting them to respect their elders - most notably, your parents and your friends around you!

Interested to know how this seemingly simple gesture can help give your kids a headstart besides impacting you too? Then read on!