How to get useful feedback.

When speaking up in a group setting, do you worry about how you present yourself? For example, maybe you believe you speak and no one understands what you are saying, or you feel that when you talk, you are too short or too long in how you provide information.

I want to share a method that individuals I work with have reported success in understanding how they show up and present in a group setting.

Feedback.

This is more than just asking someone for feedback after the event. Most will tell you something like, “It was fine,” or “I did not notice anything.”

Shift how you approach feedback – have a plan and be specific about what you want. Before an event or group setting, ask another individual in the same group to be your feedback agent. Tell them your concern and what you want them to pay attention to.

This shift to being intentional towards feedback can help you receive direct input to understand how you present and, if desired, make changes for yourself.

Written by Steven Schultze