General Evaluator Guide

How to evaluate the entire Toastmasters meeting

Overview of the Role

The General Evaluator (GE) is responsible for evaluating the overall quality and effectiveness of the entire meeting — not just individual speeches. You also coordinate and introduce all speech evaluators.

Before the meeting: Review the agenda. Know who the speech evaluators are and remind them of their responsibilities. Take note of every meeting role and who fills it.

During the meeting: Observe everything — timing, energy, role execution, room setup, introductions, and member engagement. Take detailed notes.

Your report: After Table Topics evaluations, you take the floor. Introduce each speech evaluator in order. Then deliver your general evaluation of the meeting.

What to Observe

📋Meeting Organization

Did the meeting start and end on time? Was the agenda followed?

🎭Role Preparation

Were all role players prepared? Did they explain their roles clearly?

🎙️Toastmaster of the Day

Were transitions smooth? Was the meeting energy maintained?

Table Topics Master

Were questions engaging? Did the segment run on time?

Speech Evaluators

Were evaluations specific, balanced, and constructive?

🏢Sergeant at Arms

Was the room ready? Were guests greeted?

General Evaluation Structure

1
Opening
Thank the TMOTD. Briefly introduce what a General Evaluator does for any guests.
2
Introduce Evaluators
Call on each speech evaluator in the order speeches were delivered.
3
Functional Role Reports
Recognize the Grammarian, Ah-Counter, and Timer for their reports.
4
Meeting Highlights
Acknowledge what went particularly well in the meeting overall.
5
Suggestions
Offer 1-2 constructive suggestions for future meetings — keep it diplomatic.
6
Return Control
Thank the members and return control to the Toastmaster of the Day.