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Speech evaluation: getting good feedback

How to give & get useful feedback, plus a printable public speaking evaluation form

By:  Susan Dugdale   | Last modified: 06-08-2023

Did you know that receiving an informed speech evaluation is an invaluable part of developing public speaking competence and confidence?

Even though it might seem scary to ask for, and then to receive, specific suggestions and comments about what you've done, how else do you learn what worked and what needs further refinement?

If you want to move forward, to improve your presentation skills, receiving, and giving, good feedback is vital.

Use this page to find out more

If you want informative feedback and you're not a member of a public speaking club, this page is for you. 

You'll find out how a speech is formally assessed:

• the aspects/areas focused on  in an evaluation,
• the 5-point sliding scale used to rate performance ,
• how to get a meaningful speech evaluation ,
• how to use an evaluation to improve your performance
• and there's a  printable public speaking evaluation form to download.

What is a good speech evaluation? 

And how do you get one.

Unfortunately there are few situations outside of specialist public speaking programs, like those in schools, or clubs like Toastmasters International , where you can get a thorough and useful speech evaluation.

Despite the ability to present well being recognized as a desirable skill it's seldom encouraged with careful, thoughtful feedback. Often the most you can hope for is a generalized " It was OK ", " Great ", or the dreaded: " Mmm, perhaps we'll give xxx a turn next time " type of comment.

Nice or nasty, it doesn't tell you anything useful.

What is rated in a speech evaluation?

The areas most commonly focused on are:

• Did it capture attention & interest?
• Was the topic introduced clearly?
• Was the topic related to the audience?
• Did the speaker have topic-credibility?
• Was the body of the speech previewed?
• Were the main points clear?
• Were the main points supported?
• Were the main points logically presented?
• Were the transitions between main points clear & effective?
• Was the transition to the end of the speech signaled?
• Was there a summary of principal points?
• Was there an effective close and/or call to action?
• Was the language used appropriate for the topic & the audience
• Was the language varied?
• Were the notes, visual aids etc. organized before the start?
• Was the beginning poised?
• Was there good use of eye contact?
• Was the body language (posture & gesture) controlled & effective?
• Was the speaking rate flexible & effective?
• Was the speaking volume appropriate & varied?
• Was there fluency, an absence of fillers like 'ahs' & 'ums'?
• Was vocal variety used, changes in pitch & tone, & good use of pausing?
• Did the speaker show enthusiasm for the topic?
• Were there visual aids & were they appropriate & integrated into the speech?
• Did the speech finish with poise?

Overall evaluation

• Did the speaker achieve the assignment's purpose?
• Was the topic researched?
• Did the topic adapt well to the audience?
• Were the audience interested?
• Was the speech completed within the time limit?

How are these areas/aspects rated?

In a formal speech evaluation , such as one done by a teacher in a high school public speaking class, variations on a sliding scale are used.

The most common is a  5 point scale :

• P  (poor)
• F  (fair)
• A  (average)
• G  (good)
• E  (excellent)

You can see this scale in use on the downloadable public speaking evaluation form available from the link at the foot of the page.

The person doing the rating will actively listen and watch the speech evaluating each element.

The final assessment will generally show a range (up and down the scale) over most of the aspects. Therefore a speech can be seen to be  'good'  in some areas,  'excellent'  in others and perhaps  'fair'  in one or two.

Getting a thorough speech evaluation

If you're not in a public speaking class or a member of an organization like Toastmasters International and the people you work with don't provide criteria-based feedback you have two options.

• find a class or a  Toastmasters  group in your area.
• organize your own feedback givers using the information outlined above with the suggestions below.

Organizing you own speech evaluators

• Ask a person whose judgement and maturity you respect whether they'll accept the role, and be present at your next speech or presentation. Perhaps you can team up with them and trade evaluations taking turn about. 
• Download and print off several copies of the speech evaluation form.
• Go through the form with your evaluator explaining the process. Highlight any areas you particularly want noticed.
• Establish how you want the rating scale interpreted. A good way to set the benchmark is to listen to an excellent speaker. You could choose one from here:  The Top 100 American Speeches
• Have your evaluator listen to your speech and provide feedback  before  you give it in front of an audience. This will provide a foundation for their comments when they complete your speech evaluation 'proper'.

Working with your speech evaluation

You've got your evaluation. Now what do you with it?

Go through it with your evaluator. Bear in mind  before  you do:

• that an evaluation is an opinion. At best it is an informed one with knowledge and experience behind it.   If you find areas you disagree over, do try and understand them from the evaluator's point of view. Often what we  think  we do and what we  actually do  are two completely different things.
• that a poor or fair rating represents an opportunity to develop rather than a reason to give up public speaking.

Use the ratings as a guide on where to focus your energy.

For example, if you're rated well on the delivery items but have fallen on the content, (introduction, body, conclusion), you know that for your next speech you'll spend the bulk of your preparation time organizing your content.

Keep your completed speech evaluation forms. It's great to be able to refer back to them to see how far you've come and it's interesting to compare how different evaluators pick up on different aspects to comment on.

Toastmasters International

For more information on the importance of evaluations and the role they play in improving public speaking skills visit Toastmasters International - Effective Evaluation .

I got my first really helpful feedback once I joined Toastmasters. It didn't happen as part of my teacher training, which is extraordinary given that teaching IS presentation.

Neither was it part of other work places I got to know. 

Good presentation skills are not innate. Like other skills they need to be learned.  Giving and receiving evaluations will speed your progress. 

Download a printable speech evaluation form

It's simple to use & suitable for:

• students  wanting to know more about the assessment criteria for their prepared speeches
• anybody wanting structured feedback on their public speaking.

The form lists all the important elements that collectively make a successful speech alongside a 5 point rating scale. Download the speech evaluation form

Do you want to know more about planning, writing and rehearsing speeches?

• Here's a sample speech outline page. It has a handy downloadable blank speech outline form ready and waiting for your notes.
• You'll find more about planning your speech here. This page takes you through the sequence of planning decisions and shows you how they are guided by knowledge of your audience.
• When you've done all your planning you can find out about how to write your speech
• And then it's fun time. Find out how to rehearse. Yes, practice does make perfect!
• Return to top of the speech evaluation page

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101 Positive Feedback Examples (Copy and Paste)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

Positive feedback is essential for providing a supportive and encouraging environment – be it at school, in the workplace, or with personal relationships.

But it needs to be personalized, specific, and encouraging in order for it to have the most effect.

Below are 100 positive feedback examples that you can copy and paste – find the one that’s specific for your needs and then edit it so it’s more personalized for the person receiving the feedback.

Don’t forget to also embrace constructive feedback as well to give the person ideas about avenues for ongoing improvement.

Positive Feedback Examples

1. general praise.

• Excellent effort: It is clear to see that you put in your absolute best and this is a sign you’ll achieve great success in your life in the future.
• Writing Skills : Your writing skills are impressive. Specifically, your report started very clearly and remained readable through the body of the piece. The content was well-researched with use of authoritative sources.
• Presentation: Your presentation was engaging and informative. Well done! Thank you for the effort you put into preparing it.
• Creativity: Your creativity for this project has been outstanding. The design concept you came up with really sets our project apart.
• Customer Service: I appreciate your dedication to providing excellent customer service on behalf of the company. Our clients consistently praise your professionalism and helpfulness.
• Multitasking Skills : Your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of quality was impressive and makes me think you have a lot of potential in the workplace.
• Teamwork Skills: Your teamwork and collaboration skills such as your ability to find common ground have made a significant positive impact on our team’s dynamic and productivity.
• Leadership: Your leadership has been instrumental in driving the success of our project, and the team truly appreciates your guidance and support.
• Innovation: Your innovative ideas have led to significant improvements in our processes, saving both time and resources.
• Problem-Solving: Your problem-solving skills are exceptional; you always approach challenges with a positive attitude and find effective solutions.
• Public Speaking: Your public speaking skills have greatly improved; your recent presentation was engaging, well-delivered, and captured the audience’s attention.

2. Positive Feedback for Students

• Hard Work: Your hard work and dedication to your studies have led to a significant improvement in your grades. Always remember this as an exmaple of when hard work leads to self-improvement and mastery.
• Creativity: Your creativity and unique perspective on the assignment resulted in a thought-provoking and engaging project. Remember that creativity is your strength!
• Self-Confidence: You’ve shown great progress in your self-confidence, enabling you to tackle these challenges without hesitation. Keep on going, knowing you’re on the right track.
• Active Participation: Your active participation in class discussions has helped you to get really engaged in the coursework. It has also helped your classmates to see what it means to be a good learner.
• Collaboration Skills: Your ability to work well with your classmates on group projects demonstrates strong teamwork and collaboration skills. Specifically, you were very good at sharing ideas and brainstorming with your team.
• Attention to Detail: Your attention to detail and thoroughness is a strength. It ensures that you meet expectations and don’t go off track anymore.
• Time Management: You’ve shown great improvement in your time management skills. I’ve noticed you turning up to class more prepared and more ready to learn.
• Communication: Your ability to clearly articulate your thoughts and ideas in written communication is impressive. Your writing is always clear and concise.
• Seeking Feedback: Your willingness to seek help and learn from feedback demonstrates a strong commitment to personal success. Keep up that growth mindset !
• Enthusiasm: Your enthusiasm and passion for learning inspire both your classmates and your teachers.

3. Feedback Expressing Encouragement

• Keep it Up: Keep up the excellent work on the project; your dedication and focus are truly making a difference.
• Overcoming Challenges: I believe in your ability to overcome this challenge; your resilience and determination have always been inspiring.
• Making Progress: You’re making great progress in developing your skills; keep pushing yourself, and you’ll continue to achieve even greater success.
• Pushing through Setbacks: Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; you have the talent and drive to accomplish your goals.
• Keep Practicing: I can see how much effort you’ve put into improving your communication skills; continue practicing, and you’ll become even more effective.
• You’re on Track: You’re on the right track with your approach to problem-solving; keep refining your process, and you’ll achieve even better results.
• Positive Attitude: Your positive attitude and enthusiasm are contagious; continue to bring that energy to our team, and it will inspire everyone around you.
• Challenge Yourself: Keep exploring new ideas and challenging yourself; your creativity and innovation are valuable assets to our team.
• Leadership Skills : You’re showing great potential as a leader; continue to develop your leadership skills, and you’ll have a significant impact on our team’s success.
• Making Progress: Your progress in mastering new software is impressive; keep learning and growing, and you’ll become an invaluable resource for our team.

4. Feedback Expressing Recognition

• Outstanding Performance: I want to recognize your outstanding performance in meeting and exceeding our sales targets this quarter; your hard work has made a significant impact on our success.
• Invaluable contribution: Your contributions to the project have been invaluable, and I want to acknowledge your dedication to ensuring its successful completion.
• Exceptional customer service: I’d like to commend your exceptional customer service skills; we’ve received numerous positive reviews from our clients praising your responsiveness and professionalism.
• Efficiency improvement: Your ability to streamline our processes and increase efficiency has not gone unnoticed; thank you for your initiative and resourcefulness.
• Consistent attendance: I want to acknowledge your consistent punctuality and attendance; it demonstrates your commitment to our team and sets a great example for others.
• Conflict resolution: Your proactive approach in resolving conflicts within the team has been instrumental in maintaining a positive work environment; your leadership skills are truly appreciated.
• Excellent presentation: I’d like to recognize your excellent presentation skills; your recent presentation was both informative and engaging, and it clearly demonstrated your expertise in the subject matter.
• Mentorship contribution : Your mentorship of our new team members has played a crucial role in their successful onboarding and integration into the team; thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
• Effective multitasking: I want to acknowledge your impressive ability to multitask effectively, juggling multiple projects without compromising the quality of your work.
• Community outreach volunteering: Your volunteer efforts in organizing and participating in our company’s community outreach initiatives deserve recognition; your commitment to giving back is truly commendable.

5. Feedback Expressing Gratitude

• Timely completion: Thank you for going above and beyond to ensure the project was completed on time. I hope you’re proud of what you’ve produced!
• Colleague support: I’m grateful for your willingness to step up and help your colleagues when they needed someone to take up the slack. That sort of dedication makes a big difference in our team’s overall success.
• Team-building organizer: I appreciate your efforts in organizing the team-building event; it was a great success and helped to strengthen our team’s relationships.
• Thorough report: Thank you for your hard work in researching and preparing the report; your thoroughness made it an invaluable resource for our team.
• Commitment to team: Thank you for staying late to resolve that urgent issue; your commitment to our team is truly valued.
• Productivity improvement: I’m grateful for your initiative in developing a more efficient system for tracking our progress; it has significantly improved our productivity.
• Client-facing patience: Thank you for your patience and understanding in working with our clients, even when situations become challenging; it reflects positively on our company.
• Attention to detail: I appreciate your consistent attention to detail; it helps to ensure the quality of our work and minimizes errors.
• Valuable contribution to brainstorming: Thank you for your valuable input during our brainstorming session; your ideas and insights contributed significantly to shaping our project’s direction.
• Motivational support: I’m grateful for your support and encouragement during the difficult phase of the project; your positive attitude helped to keep the team motivated and focused.

6. Positive Feedback on Interviews

• Effective communication: You provided clear and concise responses to the interview questions, demonstrating your strong communication skills.
• Compelling presentation: Your ability to articulate your experiences and accomplishments in a compelling manner left a lasting impression on the interview panel.
• Thoughtful questioning: You asked thoughtful and relevant questions during the interview, showing your genuine interest in the position and the company.
• Professional demeanor: Your professional demeanor and positive attitude throughout the interview process made a strong impression on the hiring team.
• Problem-solving ability: You effectively showcased your problem-solving skills by providing specific examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in your previous roles.
• Company research: Your research on the company and its values demonstrates your commitment to finding a role that aligns with your interests and passions.
• Skills alignment: Your ability to connect your skills and experiences to the requirements of the position showcased your potential for success in the role.
• Interpersonal engagement: Your active listening and engagement during the interview indicated your strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with others.
• Industry knowledge: You demonstrated a strong understanding of the industry and its challenges, positioning yourself as a knowledgeable candidate.
• Thoughtful follow-up: Your follow-up thank-you note after the interview was a thoughtful gesture that reinforced your interest in the position and appreciation for the opportunity.

7. Positive Feedback on Personal Growth

• Improved public speaking: I’ve noticed your increased confidence in public speaking; your practice and dedication are clearly paying off.
• Better time management: Your time management skills have improved significantly, allowing you to be more efficient and productive in your daily tasks.
• Developed leadership: I can see that you’ve made a concerted effort to develop your leadership skills, and it’s making a positive impact on our team.
• Impressive proficiency: Your growth in mastering new software and tools has been impressive, making you a valuable resource for our team.
• Clearer written communication: I’ve observed your progress in improving your written communication, and it’s made your reports much clearer and more concise.
• Enhanced analytical skills: The strides you’ve made in enhancing your analytical skills have resulted in more insightful and data-driven decision-making.
• Improved empathy: Your ability to handle difficult situations with more empathy and understanding has greatly improved, contributing to better interpersonal relationships within the team.
• Stronger client relationships: I can see your progress in building stronger client relationships, leading to increased trust and satisfaction.
• Improved problem-solving: Your commitment to personal development has led to a significant improvement in your problem-solving abilities.
• Expanded industry knowledge: You’ve made great strides in expanding your industry knowledge, making you a go-to resource for information and expertise on our team.

8. Positive Feedback on Teamwork Skills

• Effective collaborator: Your ability to collaborate effectively with others has played a crucial role in our team’s success.
• Supportive knowledge sharing: Your willingness to share your knowledge and expertise with your colleagues is truly appreciated and has fostered a supportive learning environment.
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm: Your positive attitude and enthusiasm make you a pleasure to work with, and it contributes to a great team dynamic.
• Skilled listener: You’re an excellent listener, and your ability to understand and consider the perspectives of your teammates has led to better decision-making within the team.
• Reliable team member: Your consistent reliability and dependability make you a valued team member that others can count on.
• Effective communicator: Your effective communication skills help keep the team informed and aligned on project goals and progress.
• Conflict mediator: Your ability to mediate conflicts and promote a harmonious work environment has been instrumental in maintaining strong teamwork.
• Helpful team player: You’re always willing to lend a helping hand to your colleagues, and your supportive nature makes a significant difference in our team’s success.
• Resilient under pressure: Your ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances demonstrates great teamwork and resilience.
• Appreciative teammate: You consistently show appreciation for the efforts and contributions of your teammates, fostering a culture of recognition and gratitude within the team.

9. Positive Feedback on Initiative

• Proactive issue resolution: Your proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential issues has greatly contributed to the success of our project.
• Initiative in growth opportunities: I appreciate your initiative in seeking out new opportunities for growth and development within the team.
• Commitment to taking on challenges: Your willingness to take on additional responsibilities and challenges demonstrates your commitment and drive to succeed.
• Exceptional client service: Your ability to anticipate the needs of our clients and provide exceptional service without being prompted is truly impressive.
• Effective implementation of new tools: I commend your initiative in researching and implementing new tools and technologies that have improved our team’s efficiency.
• Industry trend awareness: Your proactive efforts to stay informed about industry trends and share that knowledge with the team have made a significant impact on our strategy and decision-making.
• Continuous learning: I appreciate your eagerness to learn and grow, continuously seeking out new resources and opportunities to expand your skills and expertise.
• Stakeholder relationship building: Your initiative in building relationships with key stakeholders has helped to strengthen our partnerships and collaboration.
• Process improvement: By identifying and addressing gaps in our processes, you’ve demonstrated a strong sense of initiative and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Feedback implementation: Your proactive approach to seeking feedback and implementing changes based on that feedback shows your dedication to personal and professional growth.

10. Positive Feedback on Leadership Skills

• Clear communication: Your ability to effectively communicate and articulate a clear vision for our team has been instrumental in our success.
• Collaborative leadership: Your leadership style encourages open dialogue and fosters a culture of trust and collaboration within the team.
• Motivational inspiration: Your ability to inspire and motivate your team members has contributed to a highly engaged and productive work environment.
• Exceptional mentorship: Your willingness to provide guidance, support, and mentorship to others demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities .
• Effective decision-making : Your ability to make tough decisions under pressure, while considering the best interests of the team and organization, is commendable.
• Fair conflict resolution: Your approach to conflict resolution is fair and balanced, promoting a harmonious and respectful team atmosphere.
• Appreciative recognition: Your consistent recognition and appreciation of team members’ efforts and contributions foster a culture of high performance and commitment.
• Effective delegation : Your ability to delegate tasks effectively and empower your team members to take ownership of their work is a key leadership strength.
• Commitment to learning: Your commitment to continuous learning and development, both for yourself and your team, sets an excellent example for others to follow.
• Emotionally intelligent leadership : Your strong emotional intelligence and ability to empathize with your team members have helped to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.

How to Give Positive Feedback

Feedback is often very hard to provide. As experts, we tend to have tacit knowledge of what looks good and what needs work, but this is very difficult to communicate in a simple and actionable way.

When giving your feedback, keep these tips in your mind, as they might help you to formulate more effective feedback:

• Be specific: Students get very frustrated when the feedback is too general and doesn’t given an exact example. So, be specific. Specificity means that you need to clearly describe what needs to be worked on and, if possible, point to the exact moment or place where the mistakes were made.
• Be genuine: Insincere feedback will be ignored. If the recipient thinks your praise is just performative, they won’t respect your opinions. In fact, sometimes the best positive feedback comes from someone who you know will give tough negative feedback if that’s what they genuinely think.
• Be timely: Timely feedback helps to reinforce an action or deter it in the future. If too much time has passed, the recipient will likely feel the feedback’s relevance has waned.
• Personalize it: Don’t make personal attacks, but rather, make it obvious that the feedback has been tailored to the person’s performance. I remember once my professor gave every student who got an A the same feedback, every student who got a B the same feedback, and so forth. Not many people in that class took the feedback seriously because they felt it didn’t directly address their paper.
• Strike a balance: The feedback shouldn’t all be overwhelmingly positive or else there’s no room for improvement. Offering constructive feedback alongside continuous and positive reinforcement can ensure the learner can identify ways to continually improve upon themselves over time.
• Encourage growth: Remind the recipient that feedback is about improvement, not tearing a person down or giving them a big ego. All feedback should be designed to elicit further improvement from the person.
• Offer examples: Often, examples of ways to improve are required in order for the recipient to truly understand what’s expected of them. Furthermore, noting specific examples of moments within their performance can help achieve more specificity in the work.
• Open a feedback loop: Ideally, the recipient of the feedback will have a chance to ask clarifying questions or explain themselves. Without dialogue, your feedback may feel unsupportive, miss the mark, or go over the recipient’s head. Conversation usually leads to better results.
• Allow a chance for improvement: Whenever possible, open the door for the recipient to demonstrate their growth in the future. This may be as simple as offering them the opportunity to come back and show you their next piece of work and tell you how they used your feedback.

By keeping these points in mind, you can provide positive feedback that is effective, meaningful, and supportive.

Strategy: The Feedback Sandwich

The feedback sandwich is an effective way to give constructive feedback that is framed positively and supportively.

This strategy is also known as the “praise-criticism-praise” or “compliment-suggestion-compliment” method.

The idea is to “sandwich” a piece of criticism or suggestion for improvement between two positive statements or compliments.

Because the feedback starts and ends positively, hopefully it will soften the impact of the criticism while also ensiring it is delivered.

This may help the recipient to know that you’re not just tearing them up – you have both positive feedback and constructive criticism to share, but your overall goal is to encourage and help them to improve.

Here’s a breakdown of the feedback sandwich method:

• Start with a positive statement: The first statement sets a positive tone by highlighting something you felt they did really well. This makes the recipient know you’re here to help and there is some value in their work.
• Offer constructive criticism: The middle feedback presents an area for improvement. Make sure that you’re specific and clear. Provide examples, if possible, and offer actionable suggestions to address this area for imprveoment for next time.
• End with another positive statement: Finish the feedback with something encouraging. Ensure it’s genuine, but also on a positive note. This helps to leave the conversation with a sense that the person receiving the feedback (and their work) has value.

One weakness of this approach is that it can come across as insincere. To address this, make sure your positive feedback is genuine and thoughtful.

Furthermore, ensure you allow for a chance to discuss and open the door for back-and-forth discussion about the person’s performance. Feedback should, ideally, be a two-way street and chance for discussion to help the person truly develop their skills.

Positive feedback is an essential part of helping students to understand the correct paths to take and when they did well so they can replicate that behavior. Praise and encouragement can help students stay engaged and develop self-confidence. Don’t forget to also provide constructive feedback that helps the learner know how to achieve self-improvement.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Free Social Skills Worksheets
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups

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30 presentation feedback examples

Jump to section

You're doing great

You should think of improving

Tips to improve

3 things to look for when providing presentation feedback

3 tips for giving effective feedback.

We’re all learning as we go. 

And that’s perfectly OK — that’s part of being human. On my own personal growth journey, I know I need to get better at public speaking and presenting. It’s one of those things that doesn’t necessarily come naturally to me. 

And I know there are plenty of people in my shoes. So when it comes to presenting in the workplace, it can be intimidating. But there’s one thing that can help people continue to get better at presentations: feedback . 

The following examples not only relate to presentations. They can also be helpful for public speaking and captivating your audience. 

You’re doing great 

• You really have the natural ability to hand out presentation material in a very organized way! Good job!
• Your presentations are often compelling and visually stunning. You really know how to effectively captivate the audience. Well done!
• You often allow your colleagues to make presentations on your behalf. This is a great learning opportunity for them and they often thrive at the challenge.
• Keeping presentations focused on key agenda items can be tough, but you’re really good at it. You effectively outline exactly what it is that you will be discussing and you make sure you keep to it. Well done!!
• You created downloadable visual presentations and bound them for the client. Excellent way to portray the company! Well done!
• Your content was relevant and your format was visually appealing and easy to follow and understand. Great job! You’re a real designer at heart!
• You always remain consistent with the way you present and often your presentations have the same style and layout. This is great for continuity. Well done!
• You always remain consistent with every presentation, whether it be one on ones, small group chats, with peers, direct reports, and the company bosses. You have no problem presenting in any one of these situations. Well done!
• You are an effective presenter both to employees and to potential clients. When controversial topics come up, you deal with them in a timely manner and you make sure these topics are fully dealt with before moving on. Well done!
• You effectively command attention and you have no problem managing groups during the presentation.

You should think of improving 

• You’re a great presenter in certain situations, but you struggle to present in others. Try to be more consistent when presenting so that you get one single-minded message across. This will also help you broaden your presentation skills by being able to portray one single idea or message.
• You tend to be a little shy when making presentations. You have the self-confidence in one-on-one conversations , so you definitely have the ability to make compelling presentations. Come on! You can do it!
• During presentations, there seems to be quite a lack of focus . I know it can be difficult to stick to the subject matter, however you need to in order for people to understand what the presentation is about and what is trying to be achieved.
• To engage with your audience and make them attentively listen to what you have to say, you need to be able to use your voice in an effective manner to achieve this. Try to focus on certain words that require extra attention and emphasis these words during your presentation.
• Knowing your audience is critical to the success of any presentation. Learn to pick up on their body language and social cues to gauge your style and tone. Listen to what your audience has to say and adjust your presentation accordingly.

• During presentations, it’s expected that there will be tough questions . Try to prepare at least a couple of days before the time so that you can handle these questions in an effective manner.
• To be an effective presenter you need to be able to adjust to varying audiences and circumstances. Try learning about who will be in the room at the time of the presentation and adjust accordingly.
• Remember not to take debate as a personal attack. You tend to lose your cool a little too often, which hinders the discussion and people feel alienated. You can disagree without conflict .
• The only way you are going to get better at public speaking is by practicing, practicing, practicing. Learn your speech by heart, practice in the mirror, practice in front of the mirror. Eventually, you’ll become a natural and you won't be afraid of public speaking any longer.
• Your presentations are beautiful and I have no doubt you have strong presentation software skills. However, your content tends to be a bit weak and often you lack the substance. Without important content, the presentation is empty.

Tips to improve 

• Remember it’s always good to present about the things you are passionate about . When you speak to people about your passions they can sense it. The same goes for presentations. Identify what it is that excites you and somehow bring it into every presentation. it’ll make it easier to present and your audience will feel the energy you portray.
• Sometimes it can be easier to plan with the end result in mind. Try visualizing what it is you are exactly expecting your audience to come away with and develop your presentation around that.
• Simplicity is a beautiful thing. Try to keep your presentations as simple as possible. Make it visually appealing with the least amount of words possible. Try interactive pictures and videos to fully immerse your audience in the presentation.
• It’s a fine balance between winging the presentation and memorizing the presentation. If you wing it too much it may come across as if you didn't prepare. If you memorize it, the presentation may come off a bit robotic. Try to find the sweet spot, if you can.
• When presenting, try to present in a way that is cause for curiosity . Make people interested in what you have to say to really captivate them. Have a look at some TED talks to get some tips on how you can go about doing this.
• Remember presentations should be about quality, not quantity. Presentations that are text-heavy and go on for longer than they should bore your audience and people are less likely to remember them.
• Try to arrive at every staff meeting on time and always be well prepared. This will ensure that meetings will go smoothly in the future.
• Remember to respect other people's time by always arriving on time or five minutes before the presentation.
• Remember to ask the others in the meeting for their point of view if there are individuals during presentations.
• If you notice presentations are deviating off-topic, try to steer it back to the important topic being discussed.

Presentation feedback can be intimidating. It’s likely the presenter has spent a good deal of time and energy on creating the presentation.

As an audience member, you can hone in on a few aspects of the presentation to help frame your feedback. If it's an oral presentation, you should consider also audience attention and visual aids.

It’s important to keep in mind three key aspects of the presentation when giving feedback. 

Communication

• Were the key messages clear? 
• Was the speaker clear and concise in their language?
• Did the presenter clearly communicate the key objectives? 
• Did the presenter give the audience clear takeaways? 
• How well did the presenter’s voice carry in the presentation space? 

Delivery 

• Was the presentation engaging? 
• How well did the presenter capture their audience? 
• Did the presenter engage employees in fun or innovative ways? 
• How interactive was the presentation? 
• How approachable did the presenter appear? 
• Was the presentation accessible to all? 

Body language and presence 

• How did the presenter carry themselves? 
• Did the presenter make eye contact with the audience? 
• How confident did the presenter appear based on nonverbal communication? 
• Were there any nonverbal distractions to the presentation? (i.e. too many hand gestures, facial expressions, etc.)  

There are plenty of benefits of feedback . But giving effective feedback isn’t an easy task. Here are some tips for giving effective feedback. 

1. Prepare what you’d like to say 

I’m willing to bet we’ve all felt like we’ve put our foot in our mouth at one point or another. Knee-jerk, emotional reactions are rarely helpful. In fact, they can do quite the opposite of help. 

Make sure you prepare thoughtfully. Think through what feedback would be most impactful and helpful for the recipient. How will you word certain phrases? What’s most important to communicate? What feedback isn’t helpful to the recipient? 

You can always do practice runs with your coach. Your coach will serve as a guide and consultant. You can practice how you’ll give feedback and get feedback … on your feedback. Sounds like a big loop, but it can be immensely helpful. 

2. Be direct and clear (but lead with empathy) 

Have you ever received feedback from someone where you’re not quite sure what they’re trying to say? Me, too. 

I’ve been in roundabout conversations where I walk away even more confused than I was before. This is where clear, direct, and concise communication comes into play. 

Be clear and direct in your message. But still, lead with empathy and kindness . Feedback doesn’t need to be harsh or cruel. If it’s coming from a place of care, the recipient should feel that care from you. 

3. Create dialogue (and listen carefully) 

Feedback is never a one-way street. Without the opportunity for dialogue, you’re already shutting down and not listening to the other person. Make sure you’re creating space for dialogue and active listening . Invite questions — or, even better, feedback. You should make the person feel safe, secure, and trusted . You should also make sure the person feels heard and valued. 

Your point of view is just that: it's one perspective. Invite team members to share their perspectives, including positive feedback . 

You might also offer the recipient the opportunity for self-evaluation . By doing a self-evaluation, you can reflect on things like communication skills and confidence. They might come to some of the same important points you did — all on their own.

Now, let’s go practice that feedback 

We're all learners in life.

It's OK to not be perfect . In fact, we shouldn't be. We're perfectly imperfect human beings, constantly learning , evolving, and bettering ourselves. 

The same goes for tough things like presentations. You might be working on perfecting your students' presentation. Or you might want to get better at capturing your audience's attention. No matter what, feedback is critical to that learning journey . 

Even a good presentation has the opportunity for improvement . Don't forget the role a coach can play in your feedback journey.

Your coach will be able to provide a unique point of view to help you better communicate key points. Your coach can also help with things like performance reviews , presentation evaluations, and even how to communicate with others.

Enhance your presentation skills

Unlock new heights in your career with personalized coaching tailored to boost your presentation prowess.

Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

How to not be nervous for a presentation — 13 tips that work (really!)

How to give a good presentation that captivates any audience, how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, the self presentation theory and how to present your best self, reading the room gives you an edge — no matter who you're talking to, 6 presentation skills and how to improve them, 8 clever hooks for presentations (with tips), josh bersin on the importance of talent management in the modern workplace, coaching insider: trusting your team as a new manager, 30 communication feedback examples, 30 leadership feedback examples for managers, your guide to what storytelling is and how to be a good storyteller, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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Compliment or Praise a Speaker

I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation yesterday evening. Your delivery was so engaging that I lost all track of time. By any measure you are a very effective speaker and educator. I found your comments regarding future computers especially intriguing. On behalf of the Doe Corporation, thank you for a memorable presentation and hope you will visit us again.

We want to tell you how much we enjoyed your presentation to our study group last Friday. We have been reading a lot about the history of our state, and your illustrated talk made it all come alive for us. Those of us who have ancestors who settled this region were especially grateful for your discussion their contributions. It was thoughtful of you to add those personal observations. Your talk also gave a great boost to our efforts to recruit additional members. Thank you very much for an enlightening and stimulating presentation.

Congratulations on the speech you gave at the annual symposium last Friday. The topic was timely, and you presented the material on the new innovations in a way that everyone could understand. I personally feel much more confident working with the new system now than I did before your presentation. Thank you for a very valuable experience.

How to Write this Compliment Letter: Expert Tips and Guidelines

A speaker at a seminar, symposium, conference, meeting, or convention deserves your special compliments and praise if you benefited from his or her efforts. The speaker may wonder how the audience received the speech. A brief, sincere note with positive feedback will always be appreciated.

• Tell the speaker that you enjoyed his or her speech.
• Mention specifically what you liked about the speech or presentation and, if appropriate, explain how you have personally benefited from the speech.
• Conclude by thanking the speaker.

Write Your compliment in Minutes: Easy Step-by-Step Guide with Sample Sentences and Phrases

1 tell the speaker that you enjoyed his or her speech., sample sentences for step 1.

• I enjoyed the lecture you gave at Doe University last Tuesday.
• I appreciated the speech you gave yesterday.
• I want to compliment you on your speech. It was very relevant to our current debates on funding local education.
• I am very grateful you took the time out of your busy schedule to address our small group.
• You gave a terrific presentation at this year's Doe symposium.
• We were all pleased with your topic for Saturday's lecture.
• Your comments the other evening were exactly what I needed to hear.
• Your discussion-group presentation was the highlight of the conference.

Key Phrases for Step 1

• a most valuable addition to
• am glad that I attended your
• appreciate the time you gave
• express my appreciation for
• feel fortunate to have
• how much I appreciated
• the highlight of
• thoroughly enjoyed the
• want to compliment you on
• want you to know
• was a great success
• was a pleasure to listen to
• was most stimulating
• was one of the finest
• were enthralled by
• were so impressed with
• were very pleased with
• wish to express my appreciation for
• your fascinating presentation on
• your presentation was
• your insightful presentation

2 Mention specifically what you liked about the speech or presentation and, if appropriate, explain how you have personally benefited from the speech.

Sample sentences for step 2.

• It was the best lecture of the year. You were witty and very informative.
• You maintained remarkable poise in the face of a potentially hostile audience.
• As usual, your speech brought new insights from current research. Your talks always motivate our staff to stick with their work.
• Your presentation drew the audience in and held their attention for two full hours. There was never a dull moment.
• I was glad you reserved a few minutes to field questions. Your answers were very insightful.
• It was a pleasure to hear your humorous stories.
• Your remarks triggered new ideas that will benefit our corporation for years to come.
• You helped kindle a renewed enthusiasm for my profession.
• I plan to implement some of your ideas with my own clientele.
• You gave me a new sense of pride in my career.
• We have already begun to implement some of your suggestions and are confident they will improve our manufacturing process.
• Since we have just purchased a new home, your remarks about personal money management were especially helpful.
• After listening to your report on the situation in Third World countries, I knew I had chosen the right course of study.

Key Phrases for Step 2

• both the style and the substance of your
• both witty and informative
• brought new insights
• came alive for me
• clear, factual analysis
• delightfully entertaining
• gave rise to ongoing discussion
• gave me a new sense of
• have already taken steps to
• heartily agree with you that
• hit the nail on the head
• imaginative presentation of
• intelligent, well thought-out solutions to
• particularly appreciated your
• plan to implement your
• put some of your ideas into practice
• rekindled an enthusiasm for
• triggered new ideas
• used humor to make your point
• valuable information you gave
• were especially helpful
• will certainly help me in
• your in-depth knowledge of
• your original approach to

3 Conclude by thanking the speaker.

Sample sentences for step 3.

• Thank you for your helpful comments.
• Thank you for your enlightening speech.
• I appreciated your lecture and felt as if you were speaking directly to me.
• Please accept our thanks for a great presentation
• Thank you for speaking to us this week.
• We thank you for your stimulating speech.

Key Phrases for Step 3

• accept our thanks for
• am grateful for
• best wishes for
• for an outstanding
• for all the
• for your time and effort
• for adding so much to our
• for speaking at our
• giving us such a worthwhile
• hope you will be able to
• it was our privilege to
• look forward to
• on behalf of
• such an excellent
• thank you once again for
• thank you for
• will be sure to
• wish you continued success
• your most helpful

Recommended Letter-Writing Resources

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How to Evaluate a Speech

Last Updated: October 7, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 137,580 times.

Evaluating someone else’s speech and offering feedback is a great way to improve your own public speaking skills, but what should you be focusing on? This wikiHow will teach you how to listen actively to a speech, break it down, and analyze the most important elements, like tone, content, and organization. You’ll also find tips on how to offer your feedback in a constructive, encouraging way.

Listening Actively

• Turn off all electronic devices and put away any distractions. Look at the speaker while the speech is being given. You shouldn't have anything in your hands but maybe a notepad for taking notes.
• Don't ever evaluate a speech based on the text alone. In other words, don't read the speech and offer feedback. Have the speaker perform the speech. If something is designed to be spoken, it needs to be heard if it is to be appropriately evaluated.

• If you can't find the main idea of the speech, try to guess what you think the speaker is trying to prove. Write it down. When you're evaluating the speech later, this will be helpful feedback.
• For some speeches, like a toast, a tribute, or a thank you, the main idea might be obvious, but play dumb. Is the speaker getting across the idea clearly? Or is the occasion doing too much of the work? Could the speaker do more to make the point of the speech obvious?

• If you’re listening to a persuasive speech, try to come up with responses, questions, and retorts that you might use for feedback later. What was confusing? Were there any supporting points that could be made more clear? Did you find any holes in the argument?
• If you’re listening to an informal speech, like a toast or a congratulatory speech, focus on the organization of the information that we’re getting. Does it make sense? Does it follow? Does it seem to jump around?

• Write down particularly memorable quotes or moments from the speech to praise. Write down any time the speaker gets a good crowd reaction, or a negative response.

Evaluating Specific Details

• Was the content clear and well-articulated?
• Was the argument supported with research? Good examples?
• Was the content made clear to the audience?
• Did the speaker prove their point?

• Was the supporting argument logically structured?
• Was the speech easy to follow? Difficult? Why?
• Do the speaker’s points flow logically from one to the next?
• What could be included to clear up the speech for you?

• How would you describe the style of the speech and the speaker?
• Did the style of the speech work for the content, or against it? Why?
• How convincing was the speaker?
• How was the timing of the speech? Was it easy to follow?

• Who is the audience for the speech? What are their expectations of the speech and the speaker?
• How would you describe the tone of the speech?
• Did it match the content? How?
• If not, how might the tone be improved?
• How well will the tone match the audience for the speech?

Giving Constructive Feedback

• For some speech classes, you may have to fill out a rubric or assign a grade to a speech. Follow the specific class instructions regarding this and assign a grade appropriate.

• Try to start your response with things like, “What I heard you saying is…” or “What I got from this speech was…”
• A good summary should be several sentences in the evaluation, perhaps slightly less than half of your feedback. Identify the main idea and the main supporting points of the speech. The summary should focus on content only.

• If the speaker is mostly a wet blanket, focus on how the content could better match the speaking style and how the tone might be changed to match. These are changeable things. Telling a speaker to be "more dynamic" or "funny" isn't good feedback.

• If you thought the speech was boring, instead learn to say something like, "It was subdued, which I think works well for the occasion."
• If the speaker seemed nervous, try to reassure them with some compliments, "You seemed confident up there. The material really speaks for itself."

• Don’t say, “I didn’t like the jokes you used,” say, “Next time, I think you could leave the jokes out and the speech would move a little quicker.”

• Focus first on content corrections, the organization of the speech, and the tone before you focus on anything else in the speech. These are the most important categories for improvement, and the best ways to quickly improve the speech. Think of these as the highest order of concern.
• Worry about the specifics of the delivery later. Whether or not the timing of the joke at the end of the speech works should be one of the last things a speaker worries about. If the speech is already very good, feel free to move onto these secondary concerns.

Community Q&A

• Refer to your notes only if you are giving a formal or written evaluation. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 1
• Always begin and end your evaluation with praise. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://www.uiltexas.org/speech/extemp/criteria-for-evaluating-informative-speakers
• ↑ http://erie.cce.cornell.edu/resources/4-h-public-presentation-speech-rubric
• ↑ http://docencia.ac.upc.edu/master/MIRI/PD/docs/11-PresentationEvaluation.pdf
• ↑ https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/services/writing-center/writing-resources/style-diction-tone-and-voice/
• ↑ https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/Evaluating%2520Handout%2520Final%2520PDF%25202020.pdf
• ↑ https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/blogue-blog/methode-sandwich-method-eng

About This Article

To evaluate a speech, start by listening attentively to the speaker and taking notes to help you identify the main arguments they are trying to make. Then, determine if the content of the speech was clear and supported by examples. Additionally, consider whether the information was organized so that it was easy to follow. Next, identify strengths and weakness in the delivery of the speech, including the tone and style of the speaker. Finally, write down your feedback, focusing on 3 areas to improve on and at least 1 thing the speaker did well. For tips on giving feedback to the speaker without offending them, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to give feedback on a speech

When someone asks you for feedback on their speech, sometimes it's hard to know what to say. How to critique a speech and give constructive feedback?

Here’s the latest from my one-minute public speaking tips including the two most helpful questions you can answer when someone asks you for feedback on a presentation. You can read the video transcription below.

I’m talking to you from my home office in Italy. Notice the arch! Today’s 45-second lesson is about how to give feedback. Somebody pulls you aside and says: “Hey, would you give me some feedback on my speech?” Sometimes it’s really hard to know what to say. These are the two questions you should answer, for starters.

Number 1: Where is the speech confusing? Where was the content really out of focus? Or the story didn’t make sense? Or you didn’t really get it?

Number 2: Where did you really get it? What were the strongest images? Now that the speech is over, what do you remember?

Just answer those 2 questions. You don’t have to dump all your ideas on the speaker. Or tell them how to fix the speech.

Start here. This 2-question method helps the speaker’s voice and power come through. Try them out. And let me know how they work for you.

Do you have a performance or presentation looming? Learn exactly what you need to do during rehearsal and how to captivate your audience with my free workbook 5 Steps to Nail Your Next Presentation .

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How to Appreciate Someone’s Speech in English: A Guide

Listening to a compelling speech can be an inspiring experience. But when it comes to expressing your appreciation , you might find yourself at a loss for words. Whether it’s a keynote address, a graduation speech, or a presentation at work, knowing how to commend a speaker in English can be a powerful skill. In this article, I’ll guide you on how to appreciate someone’s speech effectively and sincerely in English.

When appreciating a speech in English, be genuine and precise. Use phrases like “Your point on…was thought-provoking” to show specificity. Remember to balance praise with polite feedback and use positive body language to amplify your appreciation.

If you want to know how appreciation has been a cornerstone of society—it has existed in every culture on earth since the beginning of time, read Appreciate: Celebrating People, Inspiring Greatness (Amazon Link). This is one of my favorite books that taught me how to appreciate my students and the people surrounding them to inspire them. Now it’s your turn to influence greatness in other people.

Are you looking for a book or a guide to help you learn and improve your English? You may try English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach: Learning English Through Pictures (Amazon Link) .

Continue reading this detailed guide to learn specific phrases you can use, tips on body language, and how to provide helpful feedback. Understanding these aspects of appreciating a speech will empower you to express your feelings effectively and contribute constructively to the speaker’s growth.

Table of Contents

1. verbal appreciation, 2. appreciating with body language, appreciating the content of a speech, appreciating the delivery of a speech, appreciating the impact of a speech, balancing positivity with critique, offering specific suggestions, maintaining a respectful and encouraging tone, 1. be genuine, 2. be specific, 3. offer balanced feedback, 4. mind your body language, 5. follow up after the speech, 6. practice active listening, 7. use appropriate language, sample conversation: appreciating someone’s speech in english, in conclusion, let’s practice now – quiz, frequently asked questions, live 1-to-1 classes.

Get personalized guidance to learn English.

Guide to Expressing General Appreciation for Someone’s Speech

To appreciate a speech, offering genuine praise for a speaker’s efforts is important. This can involve verbal commendation, body language, and written feedback. The goal is to make the speaker feel valued and acknowledged for their hard work and the information or insights they’ve shared. This section will guide you through several ways to express your appreciation and tips to do it effectively.

Verbal appreciation involves using specific phrases or comments to express your approval or enjoyment of a speech. It’s one of the most direct ways to show your appreciation. This can be done immediately after the speech, during a Q&A session, or in a more personal setting afterward. Here are 15 phrases that can be used to express verbal appreciation.

• That was an enlightening speech; thank you.
• I really enjoyed your talk, especially the part about…
• Your presentation was very well structured.
• Your speech was compelling and filled with valuable insights.
• What an inspiring speech! I especially loved how you…
• You really captured my attention with your speech.
• You presented your arguments very convincingly.
• Your talk was very stimulating and thought-provoking.
• Your speech was truly captivating; I could listen to you for hours.
• That was a remarkable presentation; well done.
• I found your talk to be very engaging.
• Your speech was well-articulated and full of interesting points.
• I appreciate the depth and clarity of your presentation.
• Your passion for the topic really came through in your speech.
• Your eloquent words were very persuasive.

When giving verbal appreciation, it’s important to be specific where possible. Rather than just saying, “Good job,” point out what you liked about the speech. Remember to speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and be sincere in your tone and facial expressions.

Non-verbal cues are a powerful form of communication. They can demonstrate that you are engaged and appreciative of the speaker’s efforts. Even if you don’t get a chance to verbally express your appreciation, your body language can speak volumes. Here are some ways you can show appreciation through body language:

• Maintain eye contact with the speaker to show your attention and engagement.
• Nod your head to show that you agree with or understand the speaker’s points.
• Clap enthusiastically at the end of the speech.
• Display positive facial expressions, like smiling, to show you’re enjoying the speech.
• Lean forward slightly to show you’re actively listening.
• Avoid distractions like looking at your phone or talking to others.
• Use open body language, such as uncrossed arms, to show receptivity.
• Show an expression of surprise or thoughtfulness when the speaker makes a strong point.
• Laugh at the speaker’s humorous comments.
• Applaud when the speaker makes a point you strongly agree with.
• Sit or stand upright, showing respect for the speaker.
• Encourage others to clap or show appreciation when appropriate.
• Stay till the end of the speech, showing respect for the speaker’s time and effort.
• Stand up during a standing ovation.
• Join in any positive group responses like laughter or applause.

Remember, sincere and respectful body language can significantly impact the speaker, reinforcing your verbal appreciation and leaving them with a positive impression.

How to Compliment Specific Aspects of a Speech?

The heart of meaningful appreciation lies in the specificity of your praise. Pinpointing certain aspects of the speech adds value to your words and affirms the speaker’s efforts in those areas. This section breaks down the appreciation process into three main areas: the speech’s content, delivery, and impact. By focusing on these, you can give the speaker detailed and constructive feedback.

The content is the core of any speech. It includes the information, arguments, or ideas presented by the speaker. Here, you appreciate the speaker’s content’s richness, clarity, or creativity. Here are some ways to complement the content of the speech:

• The content of your speech was rich and comprehensive.
• Your points were compelling and well-articulated.
• Your speech was packed with useful information.
• The topic was handled with depth and clarity.
• The content was thought-provoking and insightful.
• Your ideas were innovative and interesting.
• You presented complex information in a simple and understandable manner.
• Your research was thorough, and it enhanced your arguments.
• The way you structured your points made your argument compelling.
• I learned a lot from your enlightening presentation.
• The facts and statistics you presented were fascinating.
• Your examples and anecdotes made your points relatable and understandable.
• Your discussion on (specific point) was particularly enlightening.
• I appreciate the depth of research and understanding presented in your speech.
• The way you connected various points was seamless and effective.

The delivery of a speech refers to how the speaker presents their content, including their vocal variety, body language, and use of visual aids. A speaker’s delivery can greatly influence how their message is received. To compliment a speaker’s delivery, you could say:

• Your delivery was confident and controlled.
• You have a commanding stage presence.
• Your vocal variety kept me engaged throughout your speech.
• Your clear and concise delivery made your speech easy to follow.
• You used visual aids effectively to enhance your presentation.
• Your lively delivery made your speech captivating.
• Your eye contact made the audience feel included in your speech.
• Your gestures were effective in emphasizing your points.
• The pacing of your speech was perfect, not too fast or slow.
• Your voice modulation added to the impact of your words.
• Your effective use of pauses added suspense and interest.
• Your pronunciation and articulation made your speech clear and understandable.
• Your enthusiasm was infectious and engaging.
• Your calm and composed demeanor added to your credibility.
• You have a unique style that sets you apart as a public speaker.

A speech’s impact refers to its influence or effect on its audience. Let the speaker know if a speech touched you, changed your perspective, or inspired you in some way. Here are some ways you could express this:

• Your speech left a deep impression on me.
• I was deeply moved by your speech.
• The story you shared has given me a new perspective on…
• Your speech has inspired me to take action on…
• The way you handled the topic has changed my views on…
• Your passionate speech has left me feeling inspired.
• I’ll remember your powerful closing statement for a long time.
• Your persuasive speech has convinced me to…
• I’ve gained a fresh perspective thanks to your enlightening speech.
• Your impactful speech is still resonating with me.
• The personal experiences you shared really connected with me.
• The message of your speech was powerful and meaningful.
• Your speech was a real eye-opener for me.
• The humor in your speech made it enjoyable and memorable.
• The call to action in your speech has motivated me to…

Remember, specificity enhances the authenticity of your appreciation. The speaker’s understanding of what they did well boosts their confidence and guides their future efforts.

Offering Constructive Feedback

Understanding that appreciation is about praising and helping the speaker grow is essential. A critical part of this process is offering constructive feedback . Constructive feedback involves sharing specific, actionable, and kind suggestions that can help the speaker improve.

This approach builds on the speaker’s strengths and offers guidance on areas that may need further development. Remember, feedback should always be given from a place of respect, with the intent to support and assist the speaker in enhancing their skills.

Feedback is most effective when it strikes a balance between positivity and critique. Start your feedback with genuine appreciation before moving on to areas of improvement. This approach ensures the speaker feels valued and is more receptive to your suggestions. Here’s how you can provide balanced feedback:

• Start with a positive statement about the speech.
• Identify a specific area of strength in the speaker’s performance.
• Mention an aspect of the speech that could be improved.
• Offer a suggestion on how they could improve it.
• End with a positive and encouraging remark.

Being specific and clear in your feedback makes it more valuable. Rather than making general statements like “your speech was good, but could be better,” try to point out specific areas for improvement and provide actionable advice. Here are some examples of specific feedback:

• Your introduction was very captivating, but the body of your speech could have had more structure.
• Your content was insightful, but slowing down your speech pace would make it easier to follow.
• Your anecdotes added interest, but some of your points needed more evidence.
• Your voice was clear and loud, but adding more vocal variety could make your speech even more engaging.
• Your visuals were good but could have been used more effectively to enhance your main points.
• Your conclusion was strong but could have been more tied back to your introduction.
• Your stage presence was good, but using more gestures could enhance your delivery.
• Your facts were interesting, but citing sources would enhance your credibility.
• Your speech was informative, but adding more personal experiences could make it more relatable.
• Your language was clear, but using more rhetorical devices could enhance its impact.
• You handled the topic well, but introducing opposing viewpoints could have added depth to your argument.
• Your speech was engaging, but it could benefit from more pauses for effect.
• You made strong arguments, but providing more examples could reinforce them.
• You maintained good eye contact, but smiling more often could make you appear more approachable.
• Your speech was well-researched, but summarizing your main points at the end could help the audience remember them better.

While giving feedback, it’s important to remember that your words should build up the speaker, not tear them down. Maintain a respectful tone and offer your feedback as suggestions, not demands. Tips to ensure you maintain a respectful and encouraging tone:

• Use “I” statements to express your perspective, such as “I think” or “I feel.”
• Avoid harsh language or negative words.
• Be honest but kind.
• Remember to compliment as well as critique.
• Phrase your suggestions as opportunities for growth.
• Encourage the speaker to continue working on their skills.
• Show empathy and understanding.
• Offer support and advice if you can.
• Keep your body language positive and open.
• Reinforce the speaker’s potential and capabilities.

Feedback is a gift when given right. So, ensure your words help the speaker grow and boost their confidence rather than demotivating them.

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7 Tips for Effectively Appreciating a Speech

Appreciating someone’s speech is an art form that demands sincerity, keen attention, and genuine feedback. This section of the article offers you practical tips on how to master the skills required to express your admiration in a manner that boosts the speaker’s morale, validates their efforts, and contributes to their growth as public speaker.

Sincerity forms the cornerstone of effective appreciation. When expressing your admiration, refrain from generic compliments like “Great job.” Instead, focus on the unique aspects of the speech that resonated with you, highlighting the speaker’s distinctive strengths.

Specificity is a key component of meaningful appreciation. Instead of delivering vague commendations, mention the specific elements in the speech that caught your attention. Whether it was a powerful anecdote, a well-articulated argument, or a captivating delivery style, pinpointing the details will illustrate that you were attentively listening and valuing the speaker’s efforts.

While it’s crucial to offer praise, don’t shy away from providing constructive feedback. Constructive criticism is an essential part of growth and learning. However, ensure you maintain a balance between positive feedback and areas of improvement using the ‘sandwich’ method: begin and end with positive comments, placing your constructive feedback in the middle.

Body language is a potent tool in the arsenal of effective communication. Non-verbal cues like maintaining eye contact, nodding in agreement, and applauding can silently, yet powerfully, convey your appreciation. An encouraging smile, a warm nod, or a hearty clap can do wonders to uplift the speaker’s spirits.

Showing your appreciation doesn’t necessarily end when the applause dies down. You can reach out to the speaker after their performance, either in person or via a written note or email. This additional effort further emphasizes your sincere admiration and can have a lasting impact on the speaker.

Active listening involves fully concentrating on the speaker, demonstrating responsive behavior, and providing relevant feedback. It is a sign of respect for the speaker and shows your genuine interest in their speech. Nodding at the right moments, responding to rhetorical questions, or summarizing key points in your feedback are examples of active listening.

The language you employ while appreciating someone’s speech significantly influences the way your feedback is received. Ensure you choose your words wisely, aiming for a positive, respectful, and professional tone that resonates with your genuine admiration.

By following these tips, you can effectively show your appreciation, offering the speaker valuable affirmation and insightful feedback that supports their growth and development. Remember, well-articulated appreciation can inspire and encourage speakers to further enhance their skills.

Situation: After a conference presentation, Emma approaches the speaker, Robert, to express her admiration for his speech.

Emma: Robert, I must say that was a captivating presentation. Your insights into the topic were truly enlightening .

Robert: Thank you so much, Emma. I’m glad you found it valuable . I put a lot of effort into my research.

Emma: It definitely showed! The way you articulated your points and used relevant examples made it easy to follow and understand.

Robert: I always aim to make complex topics accessible to the audience. Your feedback means a lot.

Emma: Well, you certainly achieved that today. Your eloquence and passion for the subject came through in every word. Keep up the excellent work!

Robert: I appreciate your kind words, Emma. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Appreciating a speech involves acknowledging the speaker’s efforts, recognizing the strengths of their presentation, and providing supportive feedback. By using clear language, displaying positive body language, complimenting specific aspects of the speech, and offering constructive criticism, you can effectively express your appreciation and encourage the speaker’s continued growth.

Remember, your appreciation can be a powerful tool to motivate and inspire others, so use it generously and wisely.

Welcome to the Appreciating Someone's Speech Quiz! This quiz will test your understanding of polite and effective ways to compliment someone's speech in English. Suitable for learners of all levels, these questions will help you improve your communication skills and show appreciation for someone's speaking abilities.

Before starting, make sure to read the related article on How to Appreciate Someone's Speech in English: A Guide . This will help you get the most out of the quiz.

Great job done! For more practice, open the Quiz Bank .

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Compliment someone’s speech by saying, “Your speech was inspiring and well-delivered,” or “I appreciated the clarity and thoughtfulness of your words.” These phrases acknowledge the content and delivery.

Polite ways to praise a speaker’s message include, “Your message was powerful and resonated with everyone,” or “The points you made were insightful and thought-provoking.” These compliments focus on the impact of the speech.

Express admiration for delivery by saying, “You delivered the speech with great poise and confidence,” or “Your speaking style kept the audience engaged throughout.” These remarks highlight the speaker’s presentation skills.

Acknowledge a speech’s impact by saying, “Your words have truly inspired me,” or “Your speech gave me a new perspective.” These expressions show that the speech had a meaningful effect on you.

Compliment the structure by saying, “Your speech was well-organized and easy to follow,” or “The way you structured your points made the message clear and compelling.” These compliments recognize the effort put into planning the speech.

Thank a speaker by saying, “Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences,” or “We appreciate the time and effort you put into preparing this speech.” These expressions show gratitude for the speaker’s contribution.

Appreciate the use of examples by saying, “The stories you shared made the message relatable,” or “Your examples helped illustrate your points effectively.” These compliments highlight the use of engaging elements.

Praise a speaker’s connection with the audience by saying, “You connected with the audience on a personal level,” or “Your ability to relate to the audience made your speech more impactful.” These remarks acknowledge the speaker’s rapport-building skills.

Offer constructive feedback by saying, “I enjoyed your speech, especially the stories. One suggestion could be to incorporate more data to support your points.” This balances praise with helpful suggestions.

Casual compliments include, “Great job on your speech!” or “I really enjoyed your talk; it was awesome!” These phrases are friendly and suitable for informal settings.

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Niaj A A Khan

Niaj A A Khan is an ESL Instructor with over 8 years of experience in teaching & developing resources at different universities and institutes. Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease."

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Introduction:

Public speaking is an essential skill that can be honed and improved through practice, feedback, and constructive criticism. This article aims to provide you with 13 effective ways to critique a speech, so you can help others sharpen their public speaking capabilities.

1. Analyze The Structure

Examine the beginning, middle, and end of the speaker’s speech. Well-structured speeches should have a catchy introduction, logical flow of ideas, and a strong conclusion.

2. Focus on Delivery

Take note of body language, posture, eye contact, and gesture usage. A successful speech must have clear pronunciation, proper tone variation, pauses where needed, and suitable facial expressions.

3. Gauge Audience Engagement

Observe the audience’s reaction during the speech. Note if they appear interested or not. A good speech captivates its audience.

4. Evaluate Vocal Variety

Assess whether the speaker uses different pitch levels, pausing techniques, and rhythm patterns that make content engaging to listen to.

5. Check for Clarity & Brevity

A good speech must convey its message clearly without being overly complicated or too long.

6. Examine Visual Aids

Review the visual aids used in the presentation and their effectiveness in conveying information and supporting key points.

7. Identify Purpose & Goals

Determine if the speaker effectively conveyed the purpose of their speech and achieved their desired outcome.

8. Evaluate Use of Humor

Note if humor was used appropriately and contributed positively to the overall presentation.

9. Consider Emotional Appeal

Assess whether the speech effectively connected on an emotional level with the audience through storytelling or emotive language that supports key messages.

10. Reflect on Facts & Data Used

Examine how well facts were used and how they supported main points while checking for accuracy and sources of information presented.

11. Suggest Improvement Areas

Identify any weak points in the speaker’s speech that could be improved, such as content organization, language used, visual aids, or delivery techniques.

12. Highlight Strengths

Ensure you point out strengths in the speaker’s performance to encourage and reinforce good habits.

13. Provide Constructive Feedback

Share your observations with the speaker in an empathetic manner and offer specific suggestions on how they can improve while acknowledging their effort and achievements.

Conclusion:

By examining these 13 areas of critique when evaluating someone’s speech, you will be able to provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Remember that effective critiques are constructive and aim to help the speaker become better at public speaking by learning from experience.

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