Voici comment vous pouvez fournir un retour d’information efficace sur les compétences de vos collègues en matière de prise de parole en public.

To provide effective feedback on your colleagues’ public speaking skills are through practising active listening during their presentation, paying close attention to the message of their speech, how they deliver the speech and its message and public speaking skills such as use of eye contact, posture, articulation and tone. It is important to also understand that your feedback should help to build confidence and inspire growth and development in one’s skills and capabilities as a public speaker. Therefore, your feedback and advice should be supportive, constructive and advice that is actionable and can be implemented effectively into practise.

Be a good and active listener. Be genuine to them. Provide them constructive feedback and provide them positive and negative feedback with possible solution.

Be Present: Focus entirely on the speaker without distractions. This shows respect and allows you to absorb their message fully. - *Example*: Put away your phone and maintain eye contact during the presentation to demonstrate your engagement. - Take Notes: Jot down key points, both positive and areas for improvement, as you listen. This will help you provide specific feedback later. - *Example*: Write down a memorable quote or a powerful moment from the speech that resonated with you. - Observe Non-Verbal Cues: Pay attention to the speaker’s body language, tone, and pacing. These elements are crucial in public speaking and can significantly impact the audience's perception.

When providing feedback on colleagues' public speaking skills, focus on both strengths and areas for improvement. Start by acknowledging what they did well, such as clarity, confidence, or engaging delivery. Offer constructive suggestions for improvement, like refining body language, pacing, or voice modulation. Be specific, using examples to illustrate your points. Encourage them to practice and provide positive reinforcement to build their confidence. Tailor your feedback to their goals, ensuring it’s actionable and supportive. By balancing praise with constructive criticism, you help them grow as effective communicators.

Active Listening for Effective Evaluation When evaluating a colleague's public speaking performance, active listening is paramount. Pay close attention not only to what is being said but also to how it's being conveyed. Notice the speaker's clarity, pace, and volume, as well as their use of pauses and emphasis to highlight key points. This comprehensive understanding of their speaking style will enable you to identify areas where they excel and where they may need improvement. By actively listening, you can provide constructive feedback that helps them enhance their public speaking skills

Highlight Effective Techniques: Identify what the speaker did well, such as engaging the audience or using visual aids effectively. This reinforces positive behaviour. - *Example*: “Your storytelling captured the audience’s attention and made your points relatable.” - Acknowledge Confidence: Recognize moments when the speaker displayed confidence, such as maintaining eye contact or using a strong voice. - *Example*: “I noticed how confidently you addressed the audience; it really helped convey your message.” - Praise Preparation: Comment on the speaker’s preparation and organization, which are critical for a successful presentation. - *Example*: “Your structure was clear and logical, making it easy for the audience to follow along.”

Highlighting Strengths for Positive Feedback Begin your feedback by highlighting your colleague's strengths in their public speaking. This positive reinforcement sets a supportive tone for the conversation and can boost their confidence. Identify specific areas where they excel, such as their ability to engage the audience or their effective use of visual aids. Emphasizing these positives not only reinforces good practices but also creates a positive atmosphere where they feel encouraged to continue improving.

Actively listen to point out the positives and negatives. While providing feedback, talk about the positives & eventually move on to the areas of improvement or what could have been better and provide suggestions based on your experience. Suggestions could be based on grammar, number of fillers, taking a pause, structure of the speech. It is very important for the speaker to understand that the only way to move forward is to make mistakes, take feedback and move forward.

- Be Specific: When pointing out areas for improvement, provide clear examples rather than vague statements. This helps the speaker understand exactly what to work on. - *Example*: “I noticed that you rushed through the conclusion. Slowing down at that point could help emphasize your key takeaways.” - Use the "Sandwich" Method: Start with a positive comment, followed by constructive feedback, and end with another positive note. This approach softens the impact of criticism. - *Example*: “Your introduction was engaging, but I think you could work on your transitions between points. Overall, your passion for the topic really shone through! -

Acknowledge key points of their presentation and add value by offering a different perspective and approach. Constructive criticism is built on basis of building with strategy.

Constructive critique is important. While giving feedback it is important to highlight the good points too. What went well, so that your colleague can continue working on that too. Coming to area of improvement, not only share how to improve but also tell how improving on that particular aspect can help. Not to forget to telling them, rather showing them how to improve. What can be done practically. This is something I learnt years back from my fellow toastmasters and still follow it.

Providing Constructive Criticism After acknowledging your colleague's strengths, address areas for improvement with constructive criticism. Instead of simply pointing out flaws, suggest actionable steps they can take to enhance their speaking. For example, if they tend to speak too quickly, recommend techniques for pacing, such as strategic pauses after important points. Frame your suggestions in a way that shows you're supportive of their growth. This approach will help them feel motivated to make positive changes and improve their public speaking skills.

How encouraging practice has changed the lives of my clients and students. Practice makes perfect—it’s that simple. This is a big part of my follow up with clients and university students. I offer to help by role-playing different scenarios together. This not only boosts their confidence but shows your investment in their success. Here’s how you can make use my strategies: 1. Suggest consistent practice Repetition helps solidify skills and reduces anxiety. 2. Offer your support Be there to practice with them, providing constructive feedback. 3. Focus on nonverbal cues Help them improve body language, tone, and presence. By practicing together, you’re helping them become a more powerful speaker.

I think when sharing feedback on speaking it's important to understand the type of feedback the person is looking for. Ask for permission to provide your thoughts (recognizing that much of our feedback will be based on our own thoughts and opinions) but also recognize that many of the skill-based technical aspects of speaking (posture, tone, cadence, pace, etc). Understanding their goals, how they want to show up and what they want to achieve will help you be able to provide effective feedback.

Criticism vs feedback: What's the difference? Daily, I give feedback to my professional clients and university students. Effective feedback isn’t one-size-fits-all. Recognize that each person has unique strengths and challenges. Tailored feedback shows you’ve paid attention to their performance. Here’s how you can do it: 1. Acknowledge their strengths Start with what they did well—it boosts confidence. 2. Address specific areas for improvement Focus on key aspects, like tone or body language. 3. Offer actionable advice Give concrete tips they can apply in their next speech. By personalizing your feedback, you’re not just helping them improve. You’re showing that you’re invested in their success and growth.