By TM Bhumi Singhal

When I joined Toastmasters, I secretly dreaded the word evaluation. To me, it sounded like judgment. I thought feedback meant someone pointing out every mistake I had made on stage, the forgotten lines, the filler words, the trembling hands, and the rapid pacing born out of anxiety. And let’s be honest, who enjoys being reminded of their flaws? But Toastmasters changed that perception. Slowly, feedback stopped feeling like a spotlight on my shortcomings and started to feel like a lantern lighting my path forward.

The Day Feedback Gave Me Confidence My Icebreaker speech was held in a joint meeting of my home club, IMSUC Toastmasters Club, and TCS Maitree Icon Toastmasters Club. I had memorized it word for word, ready to recite it like a parrot because I didn’t want my evaluator to think I was unprepared. The moment my name was called, I was handed the virtual podium. Anxiety took over! My words came out at double speed, and my body language looked like I was doing a cardio session. By the end, I was convinced I had ruined it. Embarrassed, I turned off my camera and didn’t even volunteer for a Table Topic. Then came the evaluation. TM Aparajita said, “We could feel your energy and enthusiasm virtually, and the smile you maintained throughout your speech was commendable.” Something inside me shifted. Instead of pointing out my mistakes, she transformed them into my strengths. Even TM Soumya praised my speech at the end, and suddenly, what felt like failure became my first fight from stage fear!

How Feedback Builds Leaders The beauty of Toastmasters feedback lies in its balance: encouragement with direction. Over time, I realized that evaluations are not just about improving speeches, they are about building leaders, word by word. ● They teach us to observe carefully and uncover the hidden potential in others. ● They train us to communicate with empathy, turning corrections into encouragement.

● They remind us that leadership is not about authority, but about mentorship and motivation.

When I began evaluating others, I noticed how a simple phrase like “I loved how you...” could brighten someone’s entire day. Feedback became less about flaws and more about fuel. The Ripple Effect of Evaluation Skills What amazed me was how evaluation skills spilled into every area of my life: ● In college presentations, I gave my peers gentle suggestions instead of blunt criticism. ● In team projects, I celebrated small wins before suggesting improvements. ● Even in personal conversations, I learned to listen better, making people feel truly heard.

This feedback culture changed how I connect with people. It made me realize that effective leadership is not about giving instructions, it’s about giving confidence and helping others believe in themselves.

Feedback as a Culture, Not Just a Practice In Toastmasters, we don’t just receive feedback. We practice it, live it, and pass it on. Each evaluation is like planting a seed: some bloom immediately, others take time, but eventually, they all grow into confidence. For me, feedback has been the gift that keeps me growing, whether it’s improving my vocal variety, helping me structure my speeches, or teaching me how to mentor others. Why I Believe in the Power of Evaluations Every time I step onto the stage, I know my growth won’t end when the timer flashes the red card, it will continue when my evaluator speaks. If I could sum it up: Feedback in Toastmasters is not about pointing out where we fall, it’s about reminding us how high we can rise. And that’s the gift of growth I will carry with me, both on and off the stage.