Public Speaking and Feedback Leaders in Health Namibia

Ten Tips to a Dynamic Presentation © Stephen D. Boyd, Ph.D.

1 1 Start Strong

2 2 Know Your Audience

3 3 Practice Practice.

4 4 Tap into your Passion

5 5 Find a Face in the Crowd

6 6 Use Stories

7 7 Employ Gestures

8 8 Build a Speech through Key Points

9 9 Know your Notes

10 End Strong

Providing Effective Feedback

What is feedback? The transmission of evaluative or corrective information about an action, event, or process. Merriam-Webster Dictionary Information provided to a performer during or after an activity that enables the performer to assess the success or failure of his or her performance. Feedback is regarded by many as the single most important factor in the acquisition of skills. Sports Science & Medicine, Oxford Press

Purpose of Feedback Allows us to look at our own attitudes, skills and knowledge Provides an opportunity to improve our performance Provides an opportunity to ask questions and support fellow participants

Basic Principles Feedback is an integral part of adult learning. Feedback is directed at skills, not personal characteristics. Feedback is not negative criticism. Focuses on the learning intention of the task. Feedback combines both what was done well during training and what could be improved.

Characteristics of Effective Feedback Feedback should be specific, not general statements. Offer suggestions and respectful statements using words like ‘could’ or ‘you may want to consider…’ Feedback should be given at the time of learning rather than later. The sooner, the better.

Be Clear and Specific Two-Part Comments: 1.What did you like specifically? Describe it clearly. If you liked a phrase used, write the phrase down, and describe when they used it and how they used it. 2.Why did you like it? What did it do? (Did it help you learn, make you feel comfortable, etc?)

General vs. Specific Feedback General: ‘I like your presentation style’. Specific: ‘I liked how you looked directly at the class and smiled when you were explaining how you first became interested in this career path. I felt your warmth and kindness which made me feel more comfortable.’

Characteristics of Effective Feedback Ask the person receiving feedback for his/her own reaction or opinion. – What do you think you did well? – What do you wish you had done better? If possible, suggest resources that might help the person improve.

Feedback ‘Do’s’ Do be honest, but also gentle. Do give reasonable and practical suggestions for improving. Do think of feedback as a gift you can give another person. Do use respectful statements like, ‘You may want to consider…’ instead of ‘You should…’

Feedback ‘Don'ts’ Don’t critique personal characteristics. Critique the skills that a person might be able to learn or improve upon. Avoid the use of the word ‘should.’ Don’t correct serious issues in public. Don’t add personal statements such as, ‘You always…’

Receiving Feedback Try not to become defensive; listen with openness. – Practice active listening Consider the feedback you receive as a gift. Focus on the specific suggestions you are receiving. Separate facts from opinions. Form an action plan to improve. Ask questions about the feedback if you are unclear or would like more information.

Key Points about Feedback All of us benefit from receiving feedback if effectively given. All of us have an obligation to others to provide feedback that is meant to improve a person’s performance. Practice using the basic principles of feedback: – How to give helpful feedback – How to receive feedback that is helpful