What are the most effective ways to get feedback on your presentation skills?

In my Experience: The most effective ways to get presentation feedback: Before: Peer review, mentor guidance, mock presentations. During: Live polls, Q&A, feedback cards. After: Formal forms, one-on-ones, video analysis. Remember: be specific, open-minded, and focus on improvement!

Asking for feedback before and after is invaluable, and incorporating technology can further enhance this process. Utilizing video recording tools to review your own performance can provide insights that others might miss. Additionally, platforms that allow for anonymous feedback can encourage more honest and constructive criticism. Remember, the goal is continuous improvement, so embrace all feedback with an open mind and a willingness to adapt and grow.

(a) Attend workshops or training sessions focused on giving and receiving feedback effectively. Apply the principles learned to improve your presentation skills. I participated in a feedback workshop that enhanced my ability to provide specific, actionable feedback to others(b) When presenting to a live audience, record their reactions, such as applause, laughter, or moments of engagement. Analyze these cues using the feedback framework. Reviewing the audience's reactions helped me identify the most impactful parts of my presentation (c) Request feedback from various stakeholders, including peers, supervisors, and subordinates. This comprehensive approach offers a well-rounded perspective.

The camera sees what your audience sees. A few recommendations here: 1. View the video subjectively vs. objectively. Objectively = what's effective and what isn't? Subjectively = I don't like the sound of my voice. Subjective won't help you. 2. Watch the video back without the sound. Is your body language and gestures supporting your key message? Are you dynamic or static? 3. Listen with the sound. Are you using ums and uhs? Where do they creep up? Are you communicating on autopilot? Are you pausing? Is your pitch varied? 4. Is your body language, voice, and gestures communicating a clear purpose? If you're trying to excite, is your whole body communicating excite (not necessarily big, but excite)?

(a) Join professional associations related to your industry or field. These organizations often host events where you can present and receive feedback from peers who understand the subject matter. Being part of an engineering association allowed me to showcase my expertise in technical presentations and receive valuable input from fellow engineers (b) Enroll in public speaking workshops or courses. These structured programs offer opportunities for practice, feedback, and skill development in a supportive environment. I attended a workshop that focused on vocal modulation. The techniques I learned there greatly enhanced my ability to maintain audience engagement.