HANDOUT #3
HOW TO EVALUATE...
A SPEAKER WORKING WITH WORDS
Skill or Technique
WORDS
1. Used words that are
simple, short and
familiar.
2. Used vivid words
that created mental
images.
3. Avoided words that
could easily be
misinterpreted.
4. Word usage added
to the overall
effectiveness.
+++
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SENTENCES
Sentences were short,
simple and
understandable.
BODY LANGUAGE TO
REINFORCE THE
MESSAGE
Used natural:

Mannerisms

Movement

Body Language
Why?
The most effective and memorable words to listeners are short-usually one
syllable.
Descriptive, expressive words paint the pictures the audience can see.
They can convey emotion and action, stirring the audiences’ imagination
and making your message more memorable.
Strive to say a lot in as few words as possible. Many words are
unnecessary or are used as “fillers.” (Example phrases: “as you know,” “I
think,” “you may be aware of.”)
Specialized words generally found only in certain professions may not be
understandable to everyone in the audience.
Language must be immediately understandable to the ear, since the
listeners don’t have the opportunity to stop and reflect on your words as
they often do when reading.
Select precisely the right words so that you will communicate your ideas
clearly and vividly.

Short sentences have more power and impact than long ones and
audiences will remember them longer.
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However, a speech made of entirely of short sentences can become
boring and tedious to hear. Use longer sentences to periodically add
variety, but make sure the audience can easily follow them.

Long, complex sentences are difficult for your audience to follow and
understand. By the time listeners hear the last words, they can’t
remember the first ones, and your point is lost.
Identify non-verbal strengths & weaknesses – seeing is believing:

A successful speaker uses words and body language together to convey a
message and show sincerity.
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Body language includes movement, gestures, facial expressions & eye
contact. Movements can vary:
o Step toward the audience to emphasize a point.
o Step back to show you've finished a point.
o Move crosswise to emphasize that you're proceeding to another
point.

If you want to dramatize a specific point, use movement. Characteristics:
o Fluid / animated, Graceful, Purposeful, Enhances attentiveness to
speech
o Lifeless / dull, Awkward, Random, Drew attention away from
speech

Gestures are the most expressive part of body language and can be used
to illustrate your words.
o Size, weight, shape, direction, location. (He went that way!)
o Importance or urgency. (Hit your fist into your open palm)
o Comparison & contrast. (Move both hand in unison to show
similarities; move them in opposition to show differences)
Characteristics:
o Natural/spontaneous, Meaningful, Lively, Expansive, Precise,
Enhanced Verbal Message
o Artificial/Wooden, Random, Passive, Furtive, Vague, Detracted
from verbal message.
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The hardest part of body language is making it look natural and
spontaneous. Body language that looks unnatural or rehearsed can ruin a
carefully prepared speech. Using it appropriately will take careful practice.

When you have arranged your speech material, try several different ways
of using your arms, hands, and facial expressions to convey your
message.

Match you gestures to your words, so that you message is believable.
A Checklist from Caren’s Cool Collection
Revised for 6/26/04 “Evaluate to Motivate—The Soul of Toastmasters” presentation by Caren M. Borowski, ATMS