How can you use feedback to improve your public speaking skills?

2 How to seek feedback

You can seek feedback before, during, or after your public speaking event, depending on your goals and needs. Before your event, you can ask for feedback on your preparation, such as your content, structure, slides, or rehearsed speech. You can use tools like online surveys, video recordings, or mock presentations to solicit feedback from your peers, managers, or experts. During your event, you can monitor the feedback from your audience, such as their body language, facial expressions, questions, or comments. You can also use interactive features like polls, quizzes, or chats to engage your audience and get their feedback. After your event, you can ask for feedback on your performance, such as your delivery, style, tone, or impact. You can use methods like follow-up emails, phone calls, or meetings to request feedback from your audience, clients, or sponsors.

4 How to give feedback

Giving feedback can be equally difficult, especially if you want to be honest and helpful without hurting or offending the speaker. However, you can use some techniques to give feedback effectively and respectfully. First, be specific and focused on the feedback, avoiding vague or general statements that do not provide clear guidance. Second, be balanced and objective in the feedback, highlighting both the strengths and areas of improvement of the speaker. Third, be supportive and empathetic in the feedback, using positive and constructive language that encourages and motivates the speaker. Fourth, be timely and relevant in the feedback, providing it as soon as possible after the event and relating it to the speaker's goals and needs.

6 How to improve your feedback skills

Feedback is a skill that you can develop and improve over time, with practice and reflection. You can use some resources and opportunities to enhance your feedback skills and become a better speaker and listener. First, you can read and watch some books, articles, podcasts, or videos on public speaking and feedback, learning from the experts and best practices. Second, you can join and participate in some groups, clubs, or courses on public speaking and feedback, such as Toastmasters, TEDx, or Coursera, where you can practice your skills and get feedback from others. Third, you can seek and offer some mentorship, coaching, or peer review on public speaking and feedback, where you can exchange feedback with someone who has more or less experience than you. Fourth, you can create and follow some personal goals, plans, or habits on public speaking and feedback, where you can challenge yourself and reward yourself for your improvement.