speech critique assignment

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How to Critique a Speech

Last Updated: February 13, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham and by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 9 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, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 194,269 times.

A good speech critique helps build the speaker’s skills by honestly identifying areas for improvement in a constructive, encouraging manner. Offering a good critique can also benefit your own public speaking skills! This article lists several questions you should ask yourself while critiquing a speech’s content and the speaker’s delivery, then provides pointers for effectively sharing your findings.

Does the speech resonate?

• If possible, note audience reactions to the speech. Do they seem to understand it? Are they paying close attention or getting bored?
• Remember to view the speech from the perspective of the target audience, which can be a bit tricky if you’re not actually in the target audience. Use your best judgment.

Is the speech easy to follow?

• Is the introduction effective? Does the speaker make their primary argument apparent within the first few sentences, or does it take awhile before you figure out what they are getting at?
• Is the speech full of distracting tangents that do not relate to the primary topic, or does it build in a logical manner toward the conclusion?
• If you were to summarize the speech to someone else, could you recite all the main points or would you have trouble remembering what it was really about?

Is the speech convincing?

• Listen for clear evidence (like names, dates, statistics, and other data) that backs up the points the speaker is making. Take notes so you can do some fact-checking to make sure the evidence is accurate.
• Once you’ve evaluated the quality of the evidence, make sure it supports the arguments and analysis made in the speech. A truly convincing speech has to hit on both elements—solid evidence and strong analysis.

Is the speech entertaining?

• Does it start with a good hook? Good speeches usually start with a funny or intriguing point that draws the audience in.
• Does it stay engaging the entire time? Well-placed anecdotes and jokes can grab and keep listeners' attention.
• Are the anecdotes and jokes distracting, or do they help build the speaker’s argument?
• Does the speaker use examples judiciously? One really superb, memorable example is better than three that don't stick with the audience.

Does the speech have a strong closing?

• It’s natural for the audience’s focus to lag as the speech carries on, so the closing should regain their attention by being powerful, thoughtful, deep, and concise.
• Both the speech and the speaker should exude confidence during the conclusion. This helps the audience gain confidence in the presentation.

How is the speaker’s vocal delivery?

• A person who is speaking too loudly may seem aggressive, while one who is speaking too quietly may struggle to be heard. See if the person seems to have a good sense of how loudly to speak.
• Many speakers tend to speak too quickly without realizing it. See if the person is speaking at a pace that sounds natural and easy to understand.
• Well-placed and well-timed pauses help the audience digest what’s just been said and prepare for what’s about to be said. Pauses that are too short or non-existent don't give the audience these opportunities, while pauses that are too long are distracting.

How is the speaker’s body language?

• Make easy, natural eye contact with audience members scattered throughout the crowd. This helps every part of the audience feel included.
• Stand up confidently, but not stiffly, and without fidgeting too much.
• Use natural arm and hand gestures from time to time, especially to emphasize key points.
• When appropriate, walk around the stage in a confident but relaxed manner instead of staying behind the podium.

Is the speaker showing high anxiety?

• Note any repeated movements or gestures that take away from the content of the speech; these could be signs of nervousness.
• A shaky voice or tendency to mumble are also signs of nervousness.

Did they read, memorize, or master the speech?

• Mastering the speech allows the speaker to better engage with the audience and make adjustments “on the fly” without wrecking the speech’s flow.

Take notes during and after the speech.

• Instead of a blank notebook, you may instead want to jot down several key questions or areas of focus (like those listed in this article) as a checklist you can refer to during the speech. Make sure to also take notes to flesh out your checklist, though.
• If there are no restrictions against it and you have time, record video or just audio of the speech. Always get the permission of the speaker first. [12] X Research source

Critique the speech’s content first.

• Note which elements of the speech were interesting, which parts were confusing, and which areas need more references to back them up.
• Identify jokes or anecdotes that either really hit the mark or just didn’t work. It’s better to be honest now than to let the person tell the same bad joke twice!
• Note whether you felt the speech was appropriate for the intended audience.

Critique the speaker’s delivery second.

• If, for example, the speaker seemed really nervous, it’s important to point this out as a distracting element that blunted the impact of the speech. You might also constructively point out techniques that help reduce stage fright, like exercising before the speech, laughing before the speech, and practicing in front of a small group of people first.

Offer positive encouragement throughout.

• Try the feedback sandwich technique: give the person a compliment on an element of their speech, tell them what needs improvement, then give them another compliment. For example, tell them they started with a brilliant hook, then explain that the second point was confusing, and finish by noting how the conclusion clarified the main point. [16] X Research source
• As a way to encourage the person to keep learning and improving, you might suggest they watch videos of speeches given by famous speakers. Point out similarities and differences between the speech you’re critiquing and the famous speech.

Expert Q&A

• Use a standardized evaluation form, rating scale, or point system in a classroom setting or competition. This helps you assign a grade to the speech or decide who presented a better speech. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://faculty.washington.edu/mcgarrit/COM220/online%20readings/Peer_Critique_Assignment_Description.pdf
• ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
• ↑ http://www.uvm.edu/~cals183/spring2017/outside.html
• ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-evaluation-1-how-to-study-critique-speech/
• ↑ https://www.psycom.net/glossophobia-fear-of-public-speaking
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/02/dont-just-memorize-your-next-presentation-know-it-cold
• ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-evaluation-2-art-of-delivering-evaluations/
• ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2016/oct2016/evaluation
• ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-evaluation-3-modified-sandwich-technique/

About This Article

To critique a speech, start by evaluating whether or not the speaker made their argument apparent in the first few sentences of their speech. Then, decide if the rest of the speech supported that argument in a smooth, understandable manner. You should also focus on the speaker’s voice inflections, like speaking at a natural pace and knowing when to pause for effect. Additionally, evaluate their body language, which should project confidence with gestures like making eye contact and standing up straight without fidgeting too much. For more advice, including how to give constructive feedback in areas like credibility and emotional intelligence, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Why study other speakers?

• How to Study and Critique a Speech
• The Art of Delivering Evaluations
• Modified Sandwich Technique for Evaluations
• Evaluation Forms, Tools, and Resources
• Toastmasters Evaluation Contests

Studying and evaluating the techniques of other speakers is an excellent way to become a better public speaker.

• When a speaker impresses, ask “ Why was that impressive? “
• When a speaker bombs, ask “ Why didn’t that hit the mark? “

Analyzing other speakers provides an abundant supply of ideas that can be incorporated into our own presentations.

Why use video critiques?

With a growing supply of speech videos readily accessible, video critiques can be especially useful teaching and learning aids.

• Without video , you can say: “ Remember that keynote speaker last week? Weren’t her gestures powerful? “
• With video , you can refer directly to precise moments: “ The keynote speaker last week was fantastic. Her gestures at 1:27 and 2:38 of her speech were powerful. “

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32 Reflect – Informative Speech Self Critique

Informative Speech Self Critique Assignment

Understand the mn state communication pathways learning outcomes for this assignment:, students should be able to:.

1.4 Utilize appropriate research strategies to discover and ethically integrate supporting materials from diverse sources and points of view.

1.5 Demonstrate the ability to listen, analyze, and provide feedback on public discourse.

Description

Start: After you give your speech, ASAP — watch your video one time without stopping it. Then, watch it a second time and answer these questions, rewinding, stopping and playing, etc. as you go. Answer the questions honestly. Remember to use specific examples to support your responses. Remember to quote your online textbook – OR notes online in the Content Area that are relevant to your response — often folks forget and that is the only reason they get poor scores (really!). You will “cite” the textbook like you would a source in your outline.

Read: look back at the chapters related to this unit.

Practice: review the vide of your speech

Do: Complete this

A nice job here will help bolster your grade…!!!

•  How did you practice for this speech (honestly)? How did your preparation differ from the Introduction Speech? What went well in your preparation and what will you do differently for your next speech? How was anxiety similar/different this time? Answer fully below (about at least a paragraph – and please use proper grammar/spelling for full credit – i mn not “texting” mezaages k?):
• Did you state your sources at least 3 times during your speech? When — be specific – add times from your video if possible. Did you say “who, where and when” — be SPECIFIC).  Add the “times” on the video for full credit.
• Watch your speech carefully. Now describe your greatest strength concerning the CONTENT of your speech (content is “what” you said, delivery is “how” you said it careful not to mix these up).

Look to chapters that talk about supporting materials and organization for this question.

Include a specific example from your speech to illustrate your response (yes, quote yourself); explain why this is a strength and include a quote and citation from the free online textbook  (or if you have a hard copy, you can use this too) to support your explanation.

My greatest strength in the content area was my use of transitions. An example of this was when I moved from my first main point to my second main point I said, “Now that I have told you how this book represents my hard exterior, let’s open it up and see how it can also represent the softer side of me.” This was a strength because I was clear and creative in my movement between ideas, as described on page 8-7 in chapter 8 of the online textbook, it says, ” One way to connect points is to include transitional statements. Transitional statements are phrases or sentences that lead from one distinct but connected idea to another. They are used to alert audiences to the fact that you are getting ready to discuss something else.” Thus, these should be smooth and help you move from one point to another” (Barnett, 8-7).

• Now watch your speech carefully and describe your greatest strengths concerning the DELIVERY of your speech (delivery is “how” you said it, content is “what” you said).

For this question,  include a specific example from your speech to illustrate your response (yes, quote yourself and describe the delivery of that quote); explain why this is a strength and include a quote and citation from the free online textbook to support your explanation.

My greatest strength in the delivery area was my use of eye contact. For example, in the body of my speech, when I was covering my second point on why this occurs, I said “this could happen to each of us” and began to look directly at the audience members, and looked to each side very slowly (at 1:30 in the video). I think that this is a strength because if you can look someone in the eye, you generally appear sincere. In the text, on page 12-10, it states, “The eyes are called the windows to the soul, and the importance of eye contact in communication cannot be overemphasized. Ideally, a speaker should include 80% to 90% of the delivery time with eye contact” (Capecce, 12-10). Thus, the online stresses you should not read your speech, with my eye contact I was able to avoid that!

• What will you want to improve upon concerning your delivery? List three areas you will focus upon for the next speech. For each area to improve, give a specific example from your speech to illustrate your response. Then describe how you will work to improve in this area.

I used too many hand gestures. For example, when I was describing the first reason the ball represents me, I looked like I was flying. I raised my hands 10 times in just 43 seconds! I plan to watch myself in a mirror and actually practice my gestures next time. I will write out on my note cards when I should use the gestures….  (then add 2 more areas to improve and your plans for improvement as above).

The Public Speaking Resource Project Copyright © 2018 by Lori Halverson-Wente and Mark Halverson-Wente is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Conduct a Speech Analysis and Present It Like a Pro

Who doesn't dream of delivering the perfect speech? Every person who speaks in front of a crowd wants to leave them moved. However, not everyone can do that.

Even the greatest speakers have worked for years to master the art of public speaking . Although we may not know their secret, we can learn a lot from their work. That's where speech analysis helps. Let's find out what it is and how to benefit from it.

What Is Speech Analysis?

You probably know the standard definition already – it is a process of studying a speech's good, bad, and pain points. However, what does it have to offer to you?

In essence, speech analysis means understanding the useful information in the speech and setting it aside from what isn't handy. For instance, a renowned speaker comes on stage to deliver a speech , and you have to perform a speech analysis – what will you look for?

You will observe the speaker's gestures, body language , confidence, usage of terms, sentence structure, quality of speech, proper delivery of the message, and much more.

This plethora of factors contributes to a single word called speech analysis. Now that you know what it is, let's have a comprehensive look into these factors.

How Does Speech Analysis Work?

For analyzing a speech, the first thing you need is information.

You need to know the perfect way to begin the speech , convey the message and give an immediate call to action.

You also must identify where the speaker is wrong and what was lacking in the speech.

For instance, if the targeted audience is teenagers, you should be able to tell if the humor and jokes used were appropriate. Was the speech engaging or lackluster? Did the audience understand the message?

Let's see what these aspects entail below.

Introduction of the Speech Analysis

First thing's first, add an introduction. It usually begins with a hook, something to entice the reader. Then it mentions the time and place of the speech, followed by an overview of the address.

Next, you need to mention the speaker, the topic, and the key points of the speech.

Body of the Analysis

Once done with the analysis, you need to begin crafting the body. This includes some special and some general details of the content and delivery, and writing them in a critique manner.

Usually, this begins with a certain action of the speaker, like tone, gesture , or emotion.

The description of some of the common factors is given below.

Identify the Objective of Speech

The purpose plays the most important part here as it is the deciding factor of the nature of the speech.

Is it an entertainment speech with a few jokes and funny lines here and there or an educational speech delivering quality information?

Was it a script written to motivate the audience for a bigger cause? Was it delivered in a manner to promote a product among the audience?

What is the message being conveyed? If it promotes peace and equality and focuses on making the world a better place, your analysis should consider that.

Similarly, identify if the person delivering the speech is the right person for the job. He must deliver the speech perfectly or at least achieve the purpose set.

Once you get your head around these points, making an analysis becomes easy.

Be Mindful of the Target Audience

A good speaker knows that a speaking style used for 50 cannot be used for 2000 people. Similarly, the tone or technique used with business leaders cannot be used with homemakers.

You need to see how well the topic resonates with the audience and how engaged they are.

Say a spokesperson delivers a speech about leading SEO strategies in 2022. The audience will comprise people familiar with digital marketing or those who want to learn it.

It will include related terms, anecdotes, stories , facts, and stats that will bind the audience to the topic.

For the speech analysis, you must also consider if the speech is being broadcasted to an external audience on streaming platforms.

Bring in the Juicy Part: Content of the Speech

The heading says it all.

We cannot stress enough. The content of the speech is by far the most vital part of the script. It can make or break the overall mood.

The Opening: Pay special attention to the opening of the speech. Usually, a hook, controversial statement, or question is used to garner the audience's attention.

An interactive, intuitive opening is much preferred to a dry opening, saying, "Hello everyone, thank you for having me."

The Main Body: Once you write all this down, move on to the body of the content. You need to deduce if the topic was authoritative. Did it include a particular focus on the subject matter? Did it have stories and facts that connected back to the issue?

How did the speaker transition from point to point ?

Speech analysis also requires you to check if statistics or visuals were used to support the arguments. It is better to use graphics to convey the message better, and you need to study if they did the work. You must analyze how well the speech was constructed and organized efficiently.

The Ending Words: Lastly, determine how valuable, memorable, and well defined the ending of the speech was.

Was it concise? Did the review do justice to the speech? Did it list the good and bad parts of the speech? These points will make up for a strong conclusion influencing the reader's mind that you have a strong hold on the subject here.

These were the main three points of speech content; the opening, body, and conclusion. This is an easy approach to follow and can help you with speech analysis quickly.

Observe Style and Delivery Manner

In scripting and speaking, the delivery style and techniques are the best tools, provided you know when and how to use them.

When analyzing a speech, you must view the speech from a critic's perspective. Observe the mood and vibe of the audience during the speech.

Were people bored or engaged ? Was the session interactive? Did it teach you something you didn't know?

These questions will tell you the experience of the audience. Try putting yourself in the audience's shoes, and you will understand how useful it was for them.

Next, observe the speaker.

Was he nervous ? Did he know what he was saying? Often at such times, the body language communicates the confidence of the speaker .

You may also notice the stage area used by the speaker. Did he pace around the stage or stand in one place? All these factors determine the speaker's delivery style and make a significant portion of the analysis.

Determine Correct Usage of Visuals

Yet another critical factor of speech analysis; determining the proper use of visuals. This adds so much life and energy to the speech. The experience becomes more realistic.

According to research, more than 67% of people feel more inclined and engaged in speeches that include visuals.

This is generally true too. An average person would enjoy a speech with infographics, charts, images, short clips, and figures rather than a dull, verbal presentation.

You need to see if the speaker used sufficient visual aids and whether they were succinct in delivering the message.

Did the visuals complement the speech? Were they fun and easy to understand? Did the audience like and engage with them?

Observing these during the speech will make the analysis quick and condensed.

Consider Language and Choice of Words

Since language and words are the modes of communication for the speaker here, it is essential to know how he uses them.

Say the topic is about the best places to buy Bitcoin. You now need to see if the speaker uses the proper terms to address the topic.

Does he explain the concept of Crypto and how it works? Does he tell how Bitcoin reached fame and all its background?

That makes for the comprehensiveness of the topic.

Next, inspect the use of language. Is it appropriate for the audience? Does it use slang words, or is it too bland? Are the terms difficult to understand?

A fine point to make in your speech analysis would be the flow of the speech. In this, you can mention how fast or slow the speaker was.

His articulation of words , the length of sentences, and their ease of understanding. You can also mention the uniqueness or repetitiveness of words, sentences, ideas, or rhetorical devices in the speech .

The only way you can do justice to a speech analysis is by mentioning every good and bad point of the speaker.

Sound Experience

You might wonder why this is important – truth be told, this is an essential factor in crafting a speech analysis. How you hear something tells your mind how to perceive it.

For example, you purchase an online course.

As soon as you hear the tutor's voice, you feel annoyed and request a refund. Why?

Because the first thing your brain captured was the voice of the video playing in your mind, it might have been too sharp, distorted, or garbled for you to hear.

The same is the case with a speech; what you hear and how you hear influence your willingness to listen to the script .

So, you must include how well the speakers worked in your speech analysis. The pitch of the sound, how easy it was to hear and discern the words of the speaker.

This section in the analysis could also use the speaking pace of the reader. Additionally, talk about how the speaker paused after regular intervals to create suspense, arouse excitement, express grief, make a remark or add value to his words.

You will feel special if someone looks you in the eye while you speak – so does the audience. Being a critic and speech analyst, you must observe how the speaker makes eye contact with the audience.

Does he shy away? Does he smile while making direct contact? Or does he keep looking elsewhere, avoiding the audience?

Adding all these points to your analysis will give it leverage over the others.

Gestures also include the movements and timings of the speaker. Did he use his hand to add energy and influence to his words? Were the gestures natural or forced? Were they distracting?

This part won't take up as much space or information but can help identify the right person.

Conclusion of the Speech Analysis

The conclusion is the final part of the analysis, where you summarize the speech and write an ending note.

Say you heard a speech about a woman who lost her husband to the DEA agents. She told with extreme pain and grief how they encountered him and shot him at point blank.

Now here's how you can write its conclusion:

"Samantha's speech engulfed me and the entire audience the moment she began her story. It hooked me, and I could feel her pain moving like waves in the hall and the audience.

However, I believe that the tone and pace should have been slightly lighter for my liking. Otherwise, the unfortunate incident with her husband didn’t allow her to control her emotions."

This will be your judgment and remarks that you acquired throughout the speech analysis. That makes up for a satisfactory conclusion to your speech analysis.

Final Verdict

You might find it challenging to analyze a speech at first, but once you learn the pain points, it's a child's game. Use the above factors to analyze your next speech and get an A+ on that assignment.

A good speech analysis manifests the intent, the audience, the content, the delivery style, visuals, and much more. Now that you know how speech analysis works, you're well versed with all the points.

That brings us to the end of this post. Happy Speaking!

Related: How to Give a Speech Evaluation in Toastmasters

Speech Critique

Due Dates: This activity is available as extra credit. There is no due date, but no extra credit is accepted after the last class meeting of the semester.

Critically evaluating presentations is a key competency of this course.

In this assignment you will:

• Critically evaluate a real-world presentation that occurs outside of class.

This assignment will also help you become familiar with the following important content in this discipline:

• Verbal and nonverbal delivery
• Organizing presentations
• Use of evidence
• Audience analysis

View a real-world presentation outside of this or any other course. The presentation you watch should be longer than 7 minutes. Press conferences and TED talks work well for this activity, but other options are also acceptable. Talk to your instructor if you are not certain if a presentation would be acceptable for the activity.

Your Speech Critique will be a written paper 400-500 words long (approximately two full pages, double-spaced). You will need to include citations and references for the presentation itself, the textbook, and to one additional academic source you refer to in the critique. Citations and references should be in APA format (7th Edition). A complete speech critique will typically contain 5-6 paragraphs. The following organizational scheme is not mandatory, but is usually very effective.

• Environment
• Introduction complete and effective
• Order of main points
• Use of transitions
• Conclusion complete and effective
• Evidence supports main points
• Citations/sources clear
• Use of visual aids effective (visual evidence that supports their points)
• Verbal delivery
• Nonverbal delivery
• Other comments (optional)
• How do the above paragraphs show that the objective was or was not achieved?
• What have you learned about presenting from this critique?

Criteria for Success

A Speech Critique that is between 400 and 500 words, addresses all of the items listed above, and contains complete references and citations will receive full points.

Last updated on 2020-08-06