Here's how you can integrate feedback into your public speaking practice effectively.

Always seek feedback - not just from others but also yourself. Learn to give yourself feedback as well - you can do this by recording yourself, using AI tools or your own speaker's toolkit to figure out what you're doing well and what you can improve.

Watch back every recording of your speaking that you can. It will be awkward, but it is essential! Send the video to trusted people/ mentors in your life who you know will be kind AND honest. Listen when a member from the audience shares feedback (they almost always do). If more than one person says the same thing, consider being aware of it and making any necessary improvements. Feedback can be uncomfortable, but it is SO helpful to refine your craft!

- Seek feedback from various sources, including peers, mentors, and audience members. - Use feedback forms, surveys, or one-on-one discussions to collect constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement. - Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues to understand how your audience responds to your speech.

Integrating feedback into your public speaking practice is like having a trusted guide on your journey to becoming a better speaker. I remember when I first started, I would jot down every piece of advice I received, from refining my tone to improving my pacing. By carefully reviewing this feedback and applying it, I was able to see my growth unfold before me. It’s not just about making changes but understanding why they matter. Embracing feedback allowed me to pinpoint my strengths and work on my weaknesses, turning every speech into a chance to improve. So, take each critique to heart and let it shape your next performance—you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll find your voice.

A nice way to gather feedback from your audience is, if they thank you/complement you, to ask, "What stood out to you most?" or "Was there anything that could have been made clearer?" This is a less-threatening way to ask for constructive feedback and to understand what worked.

- Take time to reflect on the feedback you receive without becoming defensive or dismissive. - Acknowledge both strengths and areas for improvement in your public speaking skills. - Consider incorporating feedback to enhance your performance and communication style.

Shortly after your presentation, spend some time recording your thoughts: points of low audience engagement, points indicated by laughter/applause or direct feedback that worked, and mistakes you made to see what can be improved. One crucial tip to keep in mind: ask how much of this feedback is constructive feedback or changes YOU. I received feedback earlier on that I used my hands too much and that I should look at notes more often - instead of changing these crucial aspects of my speaking, I made my gestures more purposeful and acted more casual with my memorization and this has set my speaking style apart. Remember, everyone has a different opinion, and no opinion should become foundational to who you are. You will build your own style.

- Based on your gathered feedback, could you set specific and achievable goals for your public speaking practice? - Prioritize areas that require improvement and outline steps to address them effectively. - Establish a timeline for achieving your goals and track your progress.

- I'd like you to please act on the feedback you've received by intentionally changing your public speaking approach. - Practice new techniques, strategies, or delivery methods to refine your skills. - Please evaluate the impact of these changes and adjust your approach as needed to enhance your public speaking effectiveness.

As is often said, "the fears you don't face become your limits." Tackle them! Not only by practicing before an audience, but by developing a practice regime in your room and/or house. For example, I struggled with a smooth speaking stride for some time, especially since I tend to operate on a loose form of the speaker's triangle. I make myself comfortable with the stride by continuously walking while speaking, slowing my stride down, focusing on my hands and words more than my walking, and walking around the house in my formal shoes. These all helped me to "get over it" and be confident and smooth.

Prioritize and Plan for Improvement ????Identify Key Feedback Areas: Start by reviewing the feedback you received & identifying common themes or areas for improvement. Focus on the most critical aspects that will have the biggest impact on your presentation skills. ????Create an Action Plan: Develop a specific action plan to address these areas. For example, if feedback indicates that your pacing needs adjustment, plan to practice speaking at a measured pace & use a timer during rehearsals to monitor your progress ????Set Measurable Goals: Establish clear, measurable goals for each area of improvement. This could be practicing a particular aspect of your delivery, like improving eye contact or reducing filler words, for a set amount of time

Practice in front of a new audience, including family and friends! Perhaps it is a technical presentation they cannot understand - this is fine, they are merely assessing your speaking style. Ask them to keep an eye on things you struggle with. You WILL get better with practice.

One last note- right before you get on stage, make sure to keep a note of bad habits you have a tendency to do, or under stress, they might reappear. For example, my speaking style is affected in funny ways when under stress (like I forgot a line). When under stress, I specifically must remind myself to not relapse into those bad habits, because even if you think the audience won't know you skipped a line - and they likely won't - your body will know and react! Whether this is fidgeting, pacing, blinking, or etc. these will detract from your speech. These tend to be things the mirror won't catch as well, so practice before an audience / recording yourself is very helpful.