Completing In-Class Peer Evaluations

At a minimum, write five comments: three positive comments and two areas for improvement. Address only one criterion per comment.

• Use a “+” or “–” sign in front of each comment to help identify them easily. Address one criterion per statement.
• Start with a positive comment. Always begin by commenting on a strength.
• Use “you,” not “he” or “she.”
  • What is good? Describe using specific examples.
  • Why is the behavior positive? Explain.
• After stressing good aspects of a speech to ensure the person will continue to do what works well, point out two weaknesses/areas of improvement so the person can improve. While pointing out areas of weakness of a speech can help the speaker improve in the future, accompany each comment with a constructive alternative. Be sure to word each comment demonstrating interpersonal skills.
  • What was not so good? Describe the behavior using specific examples.
  • Why was the behavior considered an area of needed improvement?
  • How can the speaker improve that behavior? Give a helpful coaching suggestion.
• Be specific. Study the differences between the two samples provided at the end of this chapter when it comes to specificity. What critique provides more valuable insight? What makes a comment effective or not effective?