How to Write a Speech Evaluation Essay
Effective speaking is an art. People give speeches for a number of reasons, from arguing a point to explaining a process. While anyone can stand up and present their information orally, there's a lot that goes into an effective speech. When composing a speech evaluation essay, you must look at the speech critically and consider not only the effectiveness of the speech itself, but also the clarity and grace of the speech presentation.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Select a speech to evaluate. If possible, select a speech that is of interest to you and on a topic about which you are knowledgeable. Having previous knowledge about the topic makes it easier for you to judge the information conveyed through the speech.
-
2
Record the speech. If you are evaluating a live speech, record the performance if you can. It is difficult to evaluate the effectiveness and consider the nuances of the speech after hearing it only once. A recording allows you to revisit the speech as you move through the completion of the essay.
-
-
3
Name the speaker, and describe his credentials. Start your essay by naming the speaker and pointing out what qualifications he has that make him an authority on the topic being discussed.
-
4
Describe the topic of the speech. Briefly explain the topic at hand to ensure that the readers of your evaluation fully understand it.
-
5
Explore the supports used if the speech was argumentative in nature. Explain how the speaker backed up his claims, and discuss the validity of any evidence he used to illustrate why his stance was appropriate.
-
6
Explore the clarity of the steps if the speech was instructional in nature. If instructions are not clear, listeners can't complete the task described. If the steps were not clear, explain how the clarity could have been improved.
-
7
Discuss whether the speaker clearly enunciated and adjusted pitch and tempo throughout the speech. Listeners must be able to understand the speech for it to be effective. Discuss whether the speaker slurred his words or didn't speak clearly. Also, explain any problems in the areas of pitch and tempo. If the speaker spoke too quickly, point that out in your evaluation. An overly rapid rate of speech can make the speech itself less comprehensible.
-
8
Point out any areas where there was room for improvement. Explain how the problem areas could have been improved upon. By pointing out possible solutions, you prove that the issues you presented are real problems that could have been remedied and not just style choices with which you do not agree.
-
9
Evaluate the overall effectiveness of the speech. Conclude your essay by making a clear statement regarding the effectiveness of the speech as a whole. By clearly stating the degree to which the speech was effective, you leave your audience with a clear understanding of your opinion.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit north america statistics image by michele goglio from Fotolia.com
