Introducing the role: “The duties of the body-language monitor are to carefully observe and note the following throughout today’s meeting: Excellent use of body language, such as stance, movements, eye contact, etc.; Facial gestures and/or expressions; Poor use of gestures; Inappropriate gesture usage. I will give a 1-minute report when called upon to do so.
It is not necessary to comment on every member – or every item mentioned above. A few well chosen examples are sufficient.
I. BEFORE THE MEETING
• Confirm your role with the General Evaluator/toastmaster of the day.
• Consider what are some gestures you consider to be a great use of body language.
• If possible, check with the speakers if there is anything specific, they would like you to look for regarding their body language.
II. DURING THE MEETING
• Give an explanation of your role when introduced: “The duties of the body-language monitor are to carefully observe and note the following throughout today’s meeting: Excellent use of body language, such as stance, movements, eye contact, etc.; Facial gestures and/or expressions; Poor use of gestures; Inappropriate gesture usage. I will give a 1-minute report at the end of the meeting.”
• Listen for vocal variety
• Note any use of visuals
• Note facial expressions and gestures (Unfriendly, artificial, animated, friendly, natural/genuine, appropriate for speech content, great use of eye contact).
• Note whole-body movement such as use of the stage, speaker’s stance, and posture (purposeful, rocking, swaying, pacing, gripping or leaning on the lectern, tapping the fingers, biting or licking the lips, jingling pocket change, frowning, adjusting hair or clothing, turning the head and eyes from side to side like an oscillating fan).
Give a 1-minute report when called on by the General Evaluator.
Give the Best Gesture Award to the person whose body language or visual presentation impressed you the most.