Here's how you can provide constructive and encouraging feedback on a presentation.

Start with a "positive-specific-positive" feedback sandwich. First, mention something you genuinely liked (e.g., "The visuals were really engaging!"). Then, offer specific, actionable feedback (e.g., "Maybe slow down a bit during key points to allow for audience absorption"). Finally, end with another positive point (e.g., "Overall, your passion for the topic really shone through!"). This approach encourages improvement while highlighting their strengths.

When you begin your feedback remember that you too started somewhere one day, so always start on a positive note that provides encouragement to the speaker and build the improvement points upon that.

To give encouraging feedback, being focused and actively listening for the speaker is the most essential. Be specific with the exact sentences they used that made the speech unique and powerful, Where they could have incorporated more emphasis, when they should have talked slower... and use as many visual descriptions as possible so they can imagine the revised speech. For example: That part where you spoke about overcoming challenges with the line, 'We all stumble, but it's how we rise that defines us' was incredibly powerful! To amplify the impact, you could try slowing down slightly just before that line, letting it sink in for the audience., and giving it more impact.

The best feedback is the one that offers a solution. Leaving the speaker with nothing but areas to improve but no tools to use for the improvement is discouraging. Generosity is key. Give them all the techniques you can offer them with the time frame you have to speak. Offer them to speak in more details about their speech at the end of the training session, event... they will be encouraged and you will be able to form a rapport with them.

Offer specific solutions rather than being vague. Pin point to the exact area of improvement and guide so as to how they can improve.

There is a structure called - "What, why, how". What stands for what you have observed. E.g I have noticed that you were walking around during your speech. Why stands for why it is important. E.g Walking around is distracting for me. How stands for how the speaker might improve it. E.g Divide stage into 3 parts and join each with your part of your speech

Follow CRC approach : Recommendation sandwiched between 2 Commendations. This way the target speaker will be encouraged and motivated to improve rather than sulk over purely negative feedback. Purely positive feedback would prevent scope of improvement. Hence, balance is a must.

When providing constructive & encouraging feedback, pay attention to: 1. CONSISTENCY OF COMMUNICATION - make sure you do not contradict yourself with inconsistent comments & suggestions from start to finish. 2. BODY LANGUAGE - avoid confusing the presenter if your body language (posture, demeanor) is inconsistent with what you say. Smile, nod, keep eye contact. 3. CHOICE OF WORDS - watch your tone & language. No need to ridicule or intimidate or make the presenter feel small or stupid. 4. DELIVERY OF FEEDBACK - your communication style & how you communicate go a long way to drive home your advice for continuous improvements. 5. ENSURE EMPATHY - put yourself in the shoes of the presenter. How would he/she react or feel about your feedback?

By focusing on these strategies: - Balance Criticism with Encouragement - Offer Practical Advice - Be Specific - Start with Positives you can provide feedback that is both constructive and encouraging, helping the presenter to improve while feeling supported.