The Power of Feedback

Feedback isn’t simply about hearing how you nailed - or failed - your speech. It’s about growth. It’s about honing your craft and becoming the best version of yourself on stage. Here’s the catch, though - Feedback is only as valuable as the mindset you bring to it. The first step? Embrace it. The second? Use it.

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The Value of Objective Analysis

Let’s face it, feedback can sting. We’ve all been there - delivering a speech we thought was flawless, only to be met with a shopping list of critiques. It’s tempting to dismiss it all with a wave of the hand, thinking, “They just don’t get me.” The uncomfortable truth is - maybe they do.

Analysing feedback objectively is a skill. It requires putting aside ego and emotion (easier said than done, I know) and focusing on the substance of what’s being said. Not all feedback is created equal, but that doesn’t mean it’s worthless. Sift through it. Find the gems that can make you better.

For example, if multiple people mention that you tend to rush through your speech, that’s a pattern worth paying attention to. Patterns don’t lie. I like to think of them as the breadcrumbs leading you to improvement. So, follow them.

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Implementing Gradual Changes

There’s one very important point about feedback - it’s not a once-and-for-all deal. You can’t just nod, smile, and continue doing exactly what you’ve always done. Yes you can, but don’t expect different results.

The key is gradual change. The idea that Rome wasn’t built in a day is a cliché but as it relates to your public speaking - your prowess won’t be built overnight either! Start small. If you’re told to work on your eye contact, focus on that in your next speech. Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to fix everything at once. Incremental progress leads to big gains.

Think of it in this way - if you were trying to lose weight, you wouldn’t drop 10kg overnight (if only!). You’d start by making one healthier choice at a time. The same applies to public speaking. Adjust one element, master it, then move on to the next.?

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Developing a Growth Mindset

Public speaking is as much about mental strength as it is about vocal clarity. Developing a growth mindset is essential. View feedback as an opportunity, not an indictment. This mindset shift can make the difference between a speaker who plateaus and one who soars.

Self-reflection is your best friend here. After receiving feedback, take time to ponder: What am I learning? How can I use this to my advantage? What’s my game plan for improvement?

Let me share a quick story. Early in my speaking career, I had a mentor who was brutally honest. After one particular speech, he told me, “You have great content, but you deliver it like you’re reading the phone book.” Ouch. It stung, and I’ll admit, I wanted to crawl into a hole. But after sulking for a day (or two), I realized he was right. I lacked energy, passion and connection. So, with his help I made a plan. One step at a time. I worked on my delivery, infusing it with the emotion and enthusiasm that was missing. Was it easy? No! Was it worth it? Absolutely.

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Boosting Confidence Through Constructive Feedback

Now, let’s talk about confidence. Nothing shakes it like feedback, right? Wrong. Properly processed, feedback is a confidence builder, not a destroyer.

When you take constructive criticism on board, make adjustments, and see the results—you become unstoppable. Your speeches improve, your delivery sharpens, and guess what? Your audience notices. This positive cycle builds your confidence. You start to believe in your abilities because you see tangible evidence of your growth.

Confidence is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. And nothing gives that muscle a workout quite like the challenge of turning feedback into fuel for improvement.

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Engaging Your Audience More Effectively

Finally, let’s get to the crux of public speaking - engagement. The holy grail. Constructive feedback can be your guiding star here. Are you connecting with your audience? Are they leaning in, hanging on to your every word or are they checking their watches or phones?

After your speech, realise that the only way to know how you did is through feedback. Ask trusted colleagues, mentors, or even your audience for their honest thoughts. Was your message clear? Did your stories resonate? Were they bored out of their minds? If an audience member tells you that they liked your speech, ask them, “what did you like about it?”?

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Remember, the goal isn’t just to speak - it’s to communicate, to move, to inspire. And the best way to ensure you’re hitting the mark is to seek out and embrace feedback.

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Conclusion - Embrace the Power of Feedback

Feedback is your ally, not your enemy. It’s the tool that can take your public speaking from good to great, from average to exceptional. The next time you step off the stage, don’t shy away from the opinions of others. Seek them out. Analyse them. Use them to craft a speech that not only delivers your message but does so with confidence, clarity, and connection.

So, the next time you get feedback, don’t just nod politely and move on. Dig in. Embrace it. Use it to fuel your growth. Because that, my friends, is the true power of feedback.

What about you? Have you received feedback that has helped or hindered you? Please share in the comment section below.