You're preparing for a public speaking event. How can you ensure your feedback session is a success?

1 Gather Input

To kick off a successful feedback session, start by gathering input from a variety of sources. This means not only asking colleagues or peers who watched your performance but also seeking out the opinions of mentors or professionals in the field of public speaking. Ensure that your questions are specific and open-ended to encourage detailed responses. For instance, instead of asking if they liked your speech, inquire about what parts of your presentation were most engaging or where they felt your argument could be stronger.

2 Set Objectives

Setting clear objectives for your feedback session is crucial. Determine what you want to learn from the session. Are you looking to improve your delivery, content, or audience engagement? By having specific goals, you can direct the feedback towards areas that will have the most impact on your public speaking skills. This focus will help you sift through the feedback later and decide which pieces of advice to prioritize.

3 Create Comfort

Creating a comfortable environment for your feedback session is essential. People are more likely to offer honest and helpful insights when they feel at ease. Start the session by expressing gratitude for their willingness to help and emphasize that you're seeking constructive criticism to improve. This sets a positive tone and opens the door for candid discussions. Remember, the goal is to learn and grow, not to defend your performance.

4 Listen Actively

During the feedback session, active listening is key. This means fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively 'hearing' the message of the speaker. Show that you value their input by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and avoiding interruptions. Taking notes can also be helpful, as it not only demonstrates that you are taking their suggestions seriously but also aids in remembering the advice given.

5 Reflect and Plan

After receiving feedback, take time to reflect on what you've heard. Assess which comments align with your objectives and which ones might offer new insights. Not all feedback will be useful, but it's important to consider each piece thoughtfully. Then, create an action plan outlining how you will implement the valuable suggestions in your future speeches. This could involve practicing certain techniques or revising parts of your speech.

6 Follow Up

Following up after your feedback session can reinforce the value of the input you received. If possible, reach out to those who provided feedback to thank them and share how you plan to apply their advice. This not only shows appreciation but can also establish ongoing relationships for future feedback opportunities. Continuous improvement is a hallmark of great public speaking, and nurturing these connections can be incredibly beneficial.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?