Outliers Toastmasters Local Chapter Open to New Members “The Evaluation Sandwich”

In March I entered a Toastmasters “Evaluation” contest. There were 9 of us competing for who could deliver the best evaluation of the “test” speaker. I am practiced in writing employee performance reviews, however, my confidence and technique in evaluating comes from my Toastmasters training.
You may not know that, besides providing training in public speaking, Toastmasters also trains how to evaluate performance and how to manage meetings. Evaluation is just as important a communication skill as speech delivery. Think of all the things you evaluate and hope for improvement – the attention to detail by the person who mows your lawn; the kids in doing the dishes after dinner; the pest control company who promises you will never see another roach; the dry cleaner who said they could get that stain out; the auto mechanic who claimed they knew what was making that noise; the repairman who fixes the leak…but.the.floor.is.still.wet!
Toastmasters teaches that the most effective feedback method for improvement is not by judging (you either won or you didn’t) or by grading (I give you a “C” for that dinner). Toastmasters teaches the “sandwich” method. As you might guess from the name, the evaluation sandwich uses a layered approach: start with the first slice of “bread”- the parts of the performance that were remarkable or at least met specifications, as in “We liked when you buffed the finish to a shine.” Next, the middle of the sandwich covers aspects to improve, e.g., “Let’s review how the paint application can ensure a smooth finish”. Lastly, end on a positive note to repeat what was performed well and to continue doing, then provide encouragement for the next time. No “shades of gray” rating, like “fair”, or grading, like A, B, C, or D. The Evaluation Sandwich covers 1) what to keep doing, 2) suggestions on what to do differently, and 3) encouragement to continue to improve.
By the way, I won the Evaluation contest. I move on to the next level to compete again in April, but…I would rather have been told “the judges liked when you…and suggest you don’t do…”. Wouldn’t you prefer that specific feedback?
Learn with us. We welcome you to be our guest at Outliers’ next meeting. For information contact our VP of Education Tom Iland: 661-313-3323 or tom@thomasiland.com.