District 46 members gathered for an inspiring Evaluation session led by Lexi Milano, our 2025 District Evaluation Champion.
Her session, “Evaluation Best Practices,” was packed with actionable tips and insights that elevate evaluations from routine reports to transformative experiences for speakers and evaluators alike.
💡 Core Principles of Effective Evaluations
- Prepare with Purpose
Meet with speakers ahead of time to clarify objectives and focus areas. Preparation shapes targeted feedback and allows evaluators to track specific skills like vocal variety or body language. In contest settings where pre-meetings aren’t possible, use a blank sheet divided into sections for strengths, improvements, and challenges. - Organize Your Notes
Using evaluation sheets or templates keeps feedback balanced and ensures no key points are missed. Lexi recommended custom sections to stay focused throughout the speech. - Ditch the Sheet — Gradually
Confidence comes from connection. Lexi encouraged evaluators to reduce dependency on their notes to improve eye contact and body language. Start by glancing occasionally, then deliver without the sheet altogether.
🗣️ Language and Delivery That Inspires
- Adopt Power Words
Replace filler phrases like “I loved” with stronger alternatives such as “I was inspired by,” “I was moved by,” or “This moment captivated the audience.” Lexi recommended keeping a personal glossary of impactful words to develop more vivid evaluations. - Be Specific and Supportive
Praise should include concrete examples — mention a particular gesture, vocal shift, or transition that worked well. Specificity clarifies what to repeat and reinforces positive habits. - Frame Feedback Positively
Lexi discouraged harsh critiques or rigid “sandwich” formats. Instead, use phrases like “The speech would be even better if…” to encourage improvement and growth.
🚀 Constructive Challenges and Growth Mindset
Evaluators were urged to suggest actionable challenges that stretch a speaker’s skills without discouragement. Common challenge areas include:
- Clarifying or strengthening the call to action.
- Expanding vocal variety and expressive range.
- Improving stage movement and use of space.
- Enhancing body language to match emotion and intent.
For experienced speakers, Lexi recommended focusing on micro-improvements such as stance stability or transition timing to sustain growth.
🎯 The Art of the Closing
A strong closing cements the message and leaves the speaker motivated. Lexi shared how to:
- Summarize strengths, growth areas, and challenges succinctly.
- Tie the closing to the speech’s theme or core message.
- Deliver an uplifting final thought that encourages reflection and action.
She compared an evaluation to a mini-speech — complete with an opening, body, and call to action that inspire future improvement.
🕊️ Managing Emotions and Time Limits
Evaluators often struggle to fit feedback within time while managing enthusiasm or emotion. Lexi suggested:
- Focusing on the three most impactful points and saving extra comments for private follow-up.
- Taking deep breaths and pausing to maintain composure.
- Reframing feedback through personal observation using “I” statements to keep tone gentle and collaborative.
🌱 Leadership and Mentorship Through Evaluation
Lexi highlighted the leadership dimension of evaluations. VP Educations and General Evaluators can pair new evaluators with experienced members to provide coaching and ensure constructive delivery.
As Lexi noted, “Feedback is a gift — handle it with care and respect.”
🧭 Key Action Items
Lexi Milano
- Share a sample Power Words Glossary for evaluators.
- Encourage gradual practice of evaluating without the sheet.
- Provide examples of universal challenges for evaluators (call to action, vocal variety, body language).
District 46 Leadership
- Publish the session recording on YouTube and social media.
Club Leaders & Evaluators
- Pair beginners with advanced speakers for guided evaluation experience.
- General Evaluators to coach evaluators on tone and delivery.
- Implement simple frameworks such as “3 Likes, 2 Improvements, 1 Standout.”
- Focus on concise, positive, actionable feedback that motivates improvement.
👩🏫 About the Presenter — Lexi Milano
Lexi Milano, 2025 District 46 Evaluation Champion, is an experienced speaker and mentor renowned for her insightful, empathetic evaluations. She combines precision with passion to help speakers build confidence and clarity. Her leadership style encourages continuous learning and constructive growth, blending professional communication techniques with Toastmasters’ values of encouragement and excellence.
🎥 Watch the Replay
The recording of this Power Hour session will be available soon on the District 46 YouTube Channel. Stay tuned for more educational sessions that help our members grow as speakers and leaders.
🙌 Thank You
District 46 thanks Lexi Milano for her time, wisdom, and generosity in sharing best practices that elevate every evaluator’s craft. Thank you to all members who joined and contributed to this inspiring session.
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