Stop Giving “Whitewash” Evaluations
We have all seen it happen. A speaker finishes a speech that had obvious flaws. The Evaluator walks up to the lectern, smiles, and says:
“You did a great job! You had good eye contact. I loved your story. I can’t wait to hear your next speech.”
This is what we call a “Whitewash.” It feels nice, but it is useless. On the other side of the spectrum is the “Roast”—an evaluation so harsh it makes the speaker want to quit.
The goal of an evaluation isn’t to be nice, and it isn’t to be mean. It is to be effective.
But how do you balance praise and critique while scribbling notes in the dark, trying to listen to the speech, and panicking about your own time limit? You need a system.
You need the “Critical Sandwich” Speech Evaluation Scorecard.
The Problem with Blank Paper
Most members walk into a meeting with a blank sheet of lined paper. When the speech starts, they frantically write down everything they hear.
By the time the speech is over, they have a messy transcript of the speech, but no analysis. When they stand up to evaluate, they ramble. They repeat the speech back to the speaker. They miss the nuance.
A blank sheet of paper is not a tool; it is a trap.
To deliver a world-class evaluation, you need to filter the speech through a framework as it happens. You need a Speech Evaluation Scorecard that forces you to categorize your thoughts instantly.
The “Critical Sandwich” Methodology
You have heard of the “Sandwich Method” (Praise-Critique-Praise). It is a classic for a reason, but often it becomes “Fluff-Critique-Fluff.”
This downloadable asset upgrades the classic sandwich into a strategic tool using the I.S.I. Protocol:
- Identify (The Top Bun): What specifically did they do well that connected with the audience?
- Suggest (The Meat): What is the one thing that, if fixed, would elevate this speech to the next level?
- Inspire (The Bottom Bun): How can they apply this feedback to their future path?
This Speech Evaluation Scorecard guides your hand to write in this format automatically. You won’t have to think about structure; you only have to think about the content.
What’s Inside This Asset?
This isn’t just a form; it is an algorithm for listening. By using this Speech Evaluation Scorecard, you will train your brain to spot rhetorical devices and delivery flaws faster.
- The “First Impressions” Tracker: Capture the immediate impact of the speaker’s opening before you forget it.
- The “Critical Meat” Matrix: A dedicated section for “I Saw,” “I Heard,” and “I Felt”—moving you away from opinion and toward observation.
- The Delivery Meter: Quick check-boxes for Vocal Variety, Eye Contact, and Stance, so you don’t waste time writing sentences about them.
- The “Challenge” Generator: A prompt to help you formulate a specific, actionable challenge for the speaker.
Preview from the “Critical Meat” Section:
“Don’t just say ‘You seemed nervous.’ Be specific.”
- Observation: I saw your hands clasping behind your back.
- Impact: It made you look closed off from the audience.
- Recommendation: Keep your hands at waist level in a neutral ‘basketball’ stance.
Why Structure Equals Confidence
The number one fear of Evaluators is running out of things to say. The number two fear is hurting the speaker’s feelings.
This Speech Evaluation Scorecard solves both. By filling in the blanks, you generate content automatically. You will never stare at a blank page again. And because the form focuses on observation rather than judgment, your feedback will always land as helpful, not hurtful.
Download the scorecard. Print a stack of them. Keep them in your club kit. Be the evaluator everyone hopes to get.
📥 Unlock Your Evaluation Tool
Level up your listening skills instantly.
Format: Printable PDF | Size: 1.1 MB
How to Use This Worksheet
- Print it out before your next meeting (A4 or Letter size).
- Listen actively and fill in the check-boxes during the speech.
- Practice your timing using the tool linked below to ensure you hit the 3-minute mark perfectly.
Disclaimer: This resource is a personal creation by Jel Salamanca. It is not an official publication of, nor is it affiliated with or endorsed by, Toastmasters International.
