How to Write a Speech Critique
Speech classes help give students confidence in public speaking, a critical skill in the professional world. A speech critique points out areas of improvement as well as the positive aspects of the speech. Highlighting the positives helps build speakers' confidence, while pointing out areas of struggle enables them to learn from their mistakes and improve their next speech. Balance out the good with the bad so students are encouraged to continue learning to publicly speak, but are aware of areas where they could still improve.
Instructions
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Assess the goal of the speech. Determine whether the speech is intended to be persuasive, instructional or educational. Write about your perception of the goal, where the speaker accomplished the goal and where she fell short.
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Determine the appropriate audience for the speech. Select points from the speech that are targeted at that audience and others that may miss the mark. Discuss in your critique specific examples of the speech that are crafted to the appropriate audience and which areas are not.
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3
Write about the opening line of the speech. Relay whether it was a successful attempt at drawing in the audience and capturing the audience's attention.
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Evaluate the research that went into the speech. Ask yourself whether the speaker referenced data and hard facts to back his statements or opinions. Write comments on your critique regarding the speaker's use of resources and research and whether you found the level and quality of research acceptable.
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Review the overall organization and flow of the speech and write your observations. Evaluate whether the speaker jumped randomly from topic to topic or whether her words were guided by one continuous thought or connecting point.
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Write about the impact of the conclusion. A strong conclusion will leave a lasting and memorable effect on the audience. Evaluate the strength of the speaker's conclusion and whether it accomplished the overall goal of the speech and fit into the flow of the entire speech.
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References
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