MASTER YOUR PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS IN 30 DAYS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE - DAY 27
Week 4, Day 6: Leveraging Feedback to Grow as a Speaker
Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for improving as a public speaker. Constructive feedback helps you identify strengths to build on, areas to improve, and new techniques to explore. On Day 27, we focus on how to seek, interpret, and apply feedback to become a more confident, skilled, and effective communicator.
By the end of today, you’ll have a framework for embracing feedback, strategies to turn criticism into growth opportunities, and techniques for continuously refining your public speaking skills.
Why Feedback Matters
Feedback is the bridge between performance and improvement. No matter how skilled you are, there’s always room to grow—and feedback provides the roadmap.
1. Identifies Blind Spots
Feedback reveals areas you may not notice yourself, such as distracting habits, unclear points, or opportunities to enhance your delivery.
2. Validates Strengths
Hearing what you’re doing well builds confidence and reinforces techniques that resonate with your audience.
3. Guides Your Growth
Constructive feedback provides actionable insights to help you refine your skills and push your limits.
Example:
A speaker who consistently receives feedback about rushing through conclusions might adjust their pacing, transforming their closing impact.
Step 1: Creating a Feedback-Friendly Environment
The best feedback comes from a supportive and constructive environment.
1. Be Open to Feedback
Adopt a growth mindset that views feedback as an opportunity rather than criticism.
Example: Replace, “I don’t want to hear what’s wrong,” with, “I can’t wait to learn how I can improve.”
2. Choose Trusted Feedback Sources
Seek input from individuals who have your growth in mind, such as:
Colleagues or mentors.
Trusted friends or family.
Professional coaches or trainers.
3. Set Expectations with Your Reviewers
Clearly communicate what kind of feedback you’re seeking.
Example: “I’d like feedback on my delivery style, particularly my vocal variety and pacing.”
4. Cultivate a Safe Atmosphere
Encourage honesty by emphasising that you’re looking for constructive insights.
Example: “I value your input, and I’d appreciate any suggestions for improvement.”
Step 2: Collecting Feedback
The way you gather feedback influences its quality and usefulness.
1. Ask Specific Questions
Guide your reviewers by asking targeted questions:
Was my key message clear?
Did my visuals enhance the presentation?
How engaging was my delivery?
Did I address questions effectively?
2. Use Multiple Feedback Channels
Combine in-person feedback with written or digital options for greater depth.
Example: Create a feedback form for anonymous responses after a presentation.
3. Observe Non-Verbal Feedback
Pay attention to your audience’s reactions during your presentation:
Are they engaged or distracted?
Do they nod in agreement or look confused?
4. Record Your Presentations
Watching a recording provides invaluable self-feedback. Look for:
Vocal variety and clarity.
Body language and gestures.
Timing and pacing.
Step 3: Interpreting Feedback
Feedback is only as useful as your ability to interpret it objectively and constructively.
1. Separate Emotion from Critique
Focus on the content of the feedback, not the tone. Avoid taking criticism personally.
2. Look for Patterns
Identify recurring themes to prioritise your efforts.
Example: If multiple people mention your pacing is too fast, it’s an area to address.
3. Ask for Clarification
If feedback is vague, seek specifics.
Example: “When you say my delivery could improve, do you mean my tone, pace, or gestures?”
4. Balance Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Recognise your strengths while addressing opportunities for growth.
Example: “I’m glad my storytelling resonated. I’ll work on making my transitions smoother.”
Step 4: Applying Feedback
The true value of feedback lies in how you use it to evolve as a speaker.
1. Prioritise One Area at a Time
Focus on one improvement area to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Example: Start with improving vocal variety before tackling body language.
2. Create an Action Plan
Turn feedback into actionable steps:
Feedback: “You speak too quickly.”
Action Plan: Practise slowing down by pausing after each main point during rehearsal.
3. Practise and Experiment
Use feedback as a foundation for experimentation. Try new techniques, review the results, and refine as needed.
4. Seek Follow-Up Feedback
After applying changes, ask for input to assess your progress.
Example: “Does my pacing feel more natural now compared to last time?”
Step 5: Giving Constructive Feedback to Others
Learning to provide effective feedback enhances your understanding of public speaking and builds your collaborative skills.
1. Focus on Specific Behaviours
Provide actionable insights rather than general statements.
Example: Instead of “Your delivery needs work,” say, “Slowing down during your key points will make them more impactful.”
2. Balance Positive and Constructive Feedback
Highlight what’s working well alongside areas for improvement.
Example: “Your examples were excellent—adding a brief summary after each one could reinforce your points even more.”
3. Be Respectful and Supportive
Frame feedback as an opportunity for growth.
Example: “You’re already strong in this area. Let’s explore how you can take it to the next level.”
4. Encourage Reflection
Ask questions that prompt self-assessment.
Example: “How do you feel about the way you handled audience questions?”
Practical Exercises for Day 27
Exercise 1: Collect Feedback from a Recent Presentation
Reach out to three people who attended a recent presentation. Ask them to provide feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement.
Exercise 2: Self-Reflect Using a Recording
Watch a recording of yourself presenting. Write down three things you did well and three areas to improve.
Exercise 3: Practise Giving Feedback
Partner with a colleague or friend and give each other feedback on a short presentation. Focus on being specific, constructive, and supportive.
Common Myths About Feedback
Myth 1: Feedback is Always Negative
Reality: Feedback often highlights strengths as well as opportunities for growth.
Myth 2: You Only Need Feedback When Starting Out
Reality: Even experienced speakers benefit from feedback to refine and evolve.
Myth 3: Feedback is Fixed and Final
Reality: Feedback is dynamic and iterative, offering new insights at every stage of development.
Conclusion: Feedback as a Growth Tool
Day 27 is about embracing feedback as an essential part of your public speaking journey. By seeking input with an open mind, interpreting it constructively, and applying it strategically, you’ll continue to grow and evolve as a speaker.
Tomorrow, on Day 28, we’ll explore techniques for adapting your presentations to different time constraints—ensuring you can deliver your message effectively, whether you have five minutes or an hour. Keep up the incredible progress as you move closer to completing this transformative programme!
