What do you do if feedback from public speaking workshops challenges your professional growth?

1 Embrace Critique

The first step in dealing with challenging feedback is to embrace it. Understand that critique is a valuable part of learning and growth in public speaking. When you receive feedback that seems tough, take a moment to digest it without reacting defensively. Acknowledge the effort and experience behind the advice. Remember, the intention is to help you improve, not to belittle your abilities. It's essential to separate your personal feelings from professional critique and view the feedback as a constructive tool.

2 Reflect Deeply

After receiving the feedback, take some time for deep reflection. Analyze the points made during the workshop and consider how they align with your perception of your performance. This introspection can help you pinpoint specific areas where you may have blind spots or need improvement. It's important to be honest with yourself during this process. If necessary, seek clarification on the feedback to fully understand the perspective of the person providing it.

3 Set Goals

Once you've reflected on the feedback, it's time to set specific, achievable goals for your public speaking skills. Use the feedback to identify key areas for improvement and create a roadmap for your growth. These goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By setting clear objectives, you can focus your efforts and track your progress over time.

4 Practice Diligently

With goals in place, diligent practice becomes your pathway to improvement. Public speaking is a skill honed over time with consistent effort. Seek opportunities to speak in various settings, whether it's at work, in community groups, or even in virtual environments. Practice the specific elements of public speaking that were highlighted in the feedback. Record yourself, if possible, to monitor your progress and make adjustments as you go.

5 Seek Support

You don't have to tackle your public speaking growth alone. Seek support from mentors, colleagues, or a speaking coach who can provide guidance and additional feedback as you work on your skills. Joining a public speaking group or club can also offer a supportive environment where you can practice regularly and receive constructive feedback from fellow members who are also looking to improve.

6 Iterate Continuously

Finally, understand that professional growth is a continuous process. As you improve your public speaking skills, regularly seek out new workshops and opportunities for feedback. Each iteration is a chance to refine your abilities further. Embrace the cycle of receiving feedback, reflecting, setting new goals, practicing, and seeking support as an ongoing journey rather than a destination.