Powerful feedback can transform speakers from good to great. Feedback is not just a tool for improvement—it’s a catalyst for growth, a mirror that reflects our strengths and reveals areas for development. Embracing feedback with an open mind can propel you to new heights in your public speaking journey. Let’s dive into how you can effectively solicit and apply feedback to sharpen your speaking skills.

The Power Of Feedback

Feedback is a gift. It provides insights that you might not see on your own, offering perspectives that can refine and elevate your performance. When used correctly, feedback can boost your confidence, enhance your skills, and ultimately make you a more impactful speaker.

Personal Experience: Embracing Critique

Early in my career, I delivered a presentation that I thought was flawless. However, a mentor pointed out several areas for improvement that I hadn’t noticed. Initially, it stung to hear the critique, but I realized that their observations were spot-on. By embracing this feedback, I was able to refine my delivery, making my next presentation significantly more powerful. This experience underscored the value of constructive critique and set the stage for continuous improvement.

How To Effectively Solicit Feedback

1. Choose The Right People

Select individuals who have experience and expertise in public speaking or who represent your target audience. Their insights will be more relevant and actionable.

• Mentors and Coaches: They provide professional, nuanced feedback based on experience.
• Peers and Colleagues: They offer relatable perspectives and can pinpoint specific areas of improvement.
• Audience Members: They provide genuine reactions and can highlight how well your message resonates.

2. Ask Specific Questions

General feedback like “It was good” or “I liked it” isn’t particularly helpful. Ask specific questions to get actionable insights.

• Content: “Was my message clear and engaging?”
• Delivery: “How was my pacing and tone?”
• Visual Aids: “Did my slides enhance or distract from my message?”

3. Create A Safe Environment

Encourage honest feedback by creating an atmosphere where critique is welcomed and valued. Assure your reviewers that their opinions are crucial for your growth and that you appreciate their candor.

Applying Feedback To Improve Your Skills

1. Analyze The Feedback

Take the time to thoroughly review and analyze the feedback you receive. Look for common themes and specific suggestions that can guide your improvements.

• Identify Patterns: Are multiple reviewers pointing out the same issue?
• Prioritize: Which areas of feedback are most critical to address first?

2. Develop An Action Plan

Based on the feedback, create a structured plan to address the areas of improvement. Set specific, measurable goals for each aspect of your speaking.

• Practice Sessions: Focus on one aspect of feedback at a time during your practice sessions.
• Recording: Record your speeches to self-evaluate and track your progress.
• Workshops and Training: Attend workshops or seek further coaching to develop specific skills.

3. Implement And Iterate

Feedback is an ongoing process. Implement the changes, seek further feedback, and continually refine your approach.

• Continuous Improvement: View each presentation as an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned and to grow further.
• Solicit More Feedback: After making changes, seek additional feedback to ensure the adjustments have had the desired effect.

Proven Success: Real-Life Transformations

One of my clients, a senior executive, struggled with engaging her audience during presentations. By soliciting targeted feedback from her team and incorporating their suggestions, she transformed her delivery style. She focused on improving her storytelling, varying her tone, and enhancing her visual aids. The result? Her presentations became more dynamic and impactful, significantly boosting her credibility and influence within the organization.

Conclusion

Embracing feedback is not just about accepting critique; it’s about seeking it out, valuing it, and using it as a powerful tool for growth. By effectively soliciting and applying feedback, you can sharpen your public speaking skills, elevate your executive presence, and unleash your full potential. Remember, every piece of feedback is a stepping stone on your path to becoming a more confident, compelling, and influential speaker. So, embrace the critique, harness its power, and watch your speaking abilities soar.

Want to learn more about this topic? Make sure to follow Melissa Entzminger on LinkedIn™.