How Feedback Fuels Your Speaking Career

Alright y’all, let me tell you something most speakers don’t talk about enough: feedback. Now, I know what you’re thinking—nobody loves hearing what they could have done better.

But if you want to get serious about public speaking, feedback is one of the most powerful tools you’ve got in your arsenal.

If you’re not constantly seeking out ways to improve, you’re just spinning your wheels. And trust me, I’ve been there.

Back in my comedy days, I thought as long as I was getting laughs, I was good. But guess what? I wasn’t growing. I was just doing the same old routine, over and over.

Here’s the hard truth: if you want to be a great speaker, you’ve gotta be willing to take a step back, listen to the tough stuff, and use it to get better.

So let’s dive into why feedback matters and how you can use it to supercharge your speaking career.

1. Why Feedback Is Gold

Look, getting up on stage is a vulnerable experience. You pour your heart out, share your story, and hope it lands with the audience. But here’s the kicker—you’re not the best judge of how well you did. Your audience is.

Feedback gives you the gift of seeing yourself from a different angle. Maybe you didn’t realize you rush through certain parts of your talk. Maybe your message isn’t hitting as hard as you thought. Or maybe there’s a blind spot in your delivery that’s holding you back from really connecting with the crowd.

And here’s the best part—when you take that feedback and actually do something with it, you’re not just improving for the next gig, you’re building a reputation. Event organizers remember the speakers who are constantly leveling up, not the ones who are coasting.

2. Where to Get Feedback

First off, start with your audience. They’re the ones experiencing your talk in real time. After each speaking engagement, consider sending out a brief feedback form or asking a few attendees for their honest thoughts. You’ll get a lot more out of a simple conversation with someone who just watched you perform than trying to guess what went well.

Next up—**event organizers.** These folks see speakers all day long, and they know what separates the good from the great. After your talk, ask them directly: What could I have done better? Don’t worry, they’re not going to tear you down. They’re going to give you insights that most speakers never even ask for.

And if you really want to fine-tune your craft? Hire a speaking coach. A good coach will give you detailed, constructive feedback on your content, delivery, and even your body language. They’re not just there to cheer you on—they’re there to make you better.

3. How to Use Feedback to Grow

So, you’ve collected all this feedback. Now what?

The key is not to take it personally. I know, easier said than done. But the point of feedback isn’t to criticize—it’s to help you grow. Take what you’ve learned and start making small, specific changes. Maybe that means tweaking your timing, improving your stage presence, or sharpening your message.

Don’t try to overhaul your entire talk after one piece of feedback. Instead, focus on one or two actionable changes at a time. Over time, these little tweaks add up, and before you know it, you’ve gone from good to great.

4. The Long-Term Benefits of Feedback

Here’s the thing—most speakers don’t seek out feedback. They get comfortable with their routine, and they stop growing. But those who actively look for ways to improve? They’re the ones who stand out, who get more bookings, and who build a lasting reputation in the industry.

When event planners know you’re constantly refining your craft, they’ll be more likely to book you again. Word spreads fast in the speaking world, and being the speaker who’s always improving will set you apart from the crowd.

Final Thought: Embrace the Tough Stuff

If you want to be successful in speaking, you’ve got to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Feedback isn’t always easy to hear, but it’s the only way you’re going to grow.

So, next time you step off the stage, don’t just walk away feeling good. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this? Seek out the feedback, embrace it, and use it to make your next talk even better.

And hey, if you’re looking to get serious about your speaking game, let’s chat.

I'd love to buy you a virtual coffee, and help you turn that feedback into real growth.

DM me!

That’s how you build a speaking career that lasts. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about always getting better.