Critiquing: What to do when you critique speakers:

1. FOCUS ON WHAT THEY DID WELL AND HOW THEY CAN IMPROVE

We’ll start with what the speaker did well and how they could improve.

2. Offer specific comments

Avoid vague "you need to improve" and "you did a good job."

Be more specific--"You need to look at the audience more" and "Your use of stories was very interesting."

3. GIVE SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING

Avoid leaving people without a way to improve--"you should work on it"

Give specific suggestions--"You should practice in front of a friend."

4. BE NICE

Avoid biting comments like "You stink" and ""You have a wimpy voice."

Focus on how people can improve--"You need to work on using supports that clearly support your main points" and "You need to speak more forcefully."

5. FOCUS ON THINGS PEOPLE CAN CHANGE

Avoid commenting on things like "Your nose is ugly" and "Your stuttering irritates me."

Focus on things people can change.

6. SKIP COMMENTS ON NERVOUSNESS

They don't help--just let it ride.  People will become comfortable on their own time.

7. OFFER LOTS OF COMMENTS

That way, people get many suggestions for improving and for feeling good about their speeches.

8. DO COMMENT ON ARGUMENTS WITH WHICH YOU DISAGREE

If you disagree with a point a speaker raises--tell him or her.

Suggest ways that he or she could make the point stronger.