Feedback is a valuable tool for growth and improvement, especially in the realm of professional speaking.

Whether you’ve just delivered a keynote address, led a workshop, or participated in a panel discussion, seeking feedback from your audience and peers can provide valuable insights that help refine your skills and enhance your future presentations.  

• Utilise feedback forms: 

Distribute feedback forms or surveys to your audience immediately following your presentation. Include questions that cover various aspects of your performance, such as content relevance, delivery style, engagement level, and overall satisfaction. Collecting feedback in real-time allows you to capture immediate reactions and impressions while they’re still fresh in participants’ minds. 

• Encourage open dialogue: 

Foster an environment of open dialogue and constructive criticism by inviting audience members to share their feedback verbally during Q&A sessions or post-presentation discussions. Encourage attendees to provide specific examples or suggestions for improvement, and be receptive to both positive and negative feedback. 

• Seek input from peers: 

Engage with fellow speakers, mentors, or industry colleagues to solicit their feedback on your presentation. Request a peer review or ask for their observations and recommendations based on their own experiences. Peers can offer valuable perspectives and insights that help identify blind spots or areas for growth. 

• Monitor social media mentions: 

Monitor social media platforms for mentions, comments, or reviews related to your presentation. Use social listening tools to track hashtags, mentions, or keywords associated with the event or topic. Pay attention to both direct feedback and indirect mentions to gain a comprehensive understanding of audience sentiment. 

• Conduct post-presentation interviews: 

Arrange one-on-one interviews with select audience members or event organisers to delve deeper into their feedback and insights. Schedule follow-up conversations to discuss specific aspects of your presentation in more detail and to explore opportunities for improvement. 

• Analyse quantitative data: 

Analyse quantitative data collected through feedback forms or surveys to identify trends, patterns, and areas of consensus among respondents. Look for recurring themes or common areas for improvement, and prioritise addressing those issues in your future presentations. 

• Reflect on personal observations: 

Take time to reflect on your own observations and self-assessment of your performance. Review recordings or transcripts of your presentation, and evaluate aspects such as body language, vocal delivery, pacing, and audience engagement. Identify areas where you excelled and areas where you can strive for improvement. 

• Set clear goals for improvement: 

Based on the feedback you’ve gathered, set clear and actionable goals for improvement. Focus on specific areas where you received constructive feedback or where you believe you can make meaningful enhancements. Establish measurable objectives and timelines to track your progress over time. 

• Implement changes: 

Implement changes and adjustments to your presentation techniques based on the feedback and insights you’ve gathered. Experiment with different approaches, techniques, or strategies to see what resonates best with your audience. Continuously iterate and refine your presentations to enhance their effectiveness. 

• Evaluate impact: 

Evaluate the impact of the changes you’ve implemented by soliciting feedback from future audiences and comparing their responses to previous feedback. Iterate on your presentation techniques based on ongoing feedback and observations, striving for continuous improvement. 

Gathering and using feedback is essential for improving as a speaker and delivering more impactful presentations. By doing everything above, you can hone your skills and enhance the effectiveness of your presentations over time. So, embrace feedback as a valuable tool for growth, and watch as your speaking abilities evolve and flourish with each presentation.