Meet A Toastmaster: Beatrice Freeman
General Evaluator Champion
Beatrice has been the General Evaluator 58 times, in 58 different Toastmasters meetings online and on stage. She shares her observations with you as one of the more experienced GEs.
What is the General Evaluator role you are so passionate about?
Have you been considering the GE role?… And why not??? It’s one of the most exciting things you can do in Toastmasters!
You can evaluate the whole meeting, those who have been evaluated, and how the meeting has gone. You have 6-12 minutes at the end, having been taking notes for 2.5 hours on average.
For 6 to 12 minutes, depending on the club, you get to present your observations: it’s very exciting and it’s a lot of responsibility.
Why would you recommend this role to someone?
It has allowed me to understand what goes into a successful meeting: and that’s not just business meetings, but meetings of all kinds, also in my personal life. What makes a meeting go a little wonky? What makes it better?
As a clean comedian for business events – the one that doesn’t swear or talk about brands – I have understood the whole idea of a live event much better thanks to doing GE in Toastmasters.
If you’re unsure whether to take it on, I advise you to go and do it. Seriously! Try it.
It’s a fantastic place for personal growth, it’s a lot of training in feedback and evaluation, and also impromptu speaking – which General Evaluation really is.
So if you’re considering it, do it at the next meeting. Offer to do it.
How I started as GE: I was asked to step in and help when someone didn’t show up. It was difficult. I didn’t sleep one bit after the meeting… I came home and thought, “What did just happen?”… But then I did it again, and again, and again. Because it’s really rewarding.
What is your next challenge?
Are you thinking what I’m going to do next? I’m going to visit the clubs I evaluated online. Can’t wait!