Evaluations are one of the most transformative aspects of the Toastmasters journey. I vividly recall an experience I had shortly after arriving in the United States as a student. One day, I happened to listen to a voicemail I had left for a friend, and it hit me—I wasn’t enunciating clearly. It sounded as though I had marbles in my mouth. I was shocked that my family had never pointed this out to me.
When I confronted them, their response was, “Oh, we understand you perfectly, so it’s never been an issue for us.” I couldn’t help but think, Sure, it’s not an issue for you, but what about everyone else? How much are others really understanding me? Why didn’t you tell me?
That’s where Toastmasters stands out. Here, we have people who not only pay close attention to what we say but are also genuinely invested in helping us improve. Not that my family wasn’t supportive—it simply didn’t occur to them to provide this kind of feedback. Toastmasters, however, provides the constructive evaluations we need—feedback that can make all the difference in our personal and professional communication.
We have people who not only pay close attention to what we say but are also genuinely invested in helping us improve
I particularly look forward to evaluations from certain club members who truly excel in this skill. Their feedback is not only insightful and constructive but often a masterclass in itself. Regardless of the speech, they uncover areas for improvement that many of us might not have noticed, offering fresh perspectives that help both the speaker and the audience grow.
What makes these evaluations even more remarkable is how they’re delivered—openly, in front of the entire group. This is a stark contrast to the private feedback sessions I’m used to at work. The experience of giving and receiving feedback in a public setting sharpens our communication and listening skills while building confidence. It’s a testament to the unique and supportive environment Toastmasters creates—a space where people are genuinely committed to helping each other succeed.
In Toastmasters, feedback is viewed as a vital tool for personal and professional growth. The evaluation process does more than enhance speaking skills—it nurtures the ability to give constructive feedback, sharpens active listening, boosts self-confidence, and fosters continual development. These are invaluable qualities that enrich every personal and professional interaction, making the Toastmasters experience truly transformative.
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Radhi Spear, DTM is the 2024–2025 International President of Toastmasters International. Learn more about her on the Board of Directors page.
