April 16, 2009This Week in the World ~ Feedback, Toastmasters International
There’s nothing like honest and specific feedback to help you succeed. I get feedback in the form of evaluations from almost everyone who hears me speak. Some of it is not useful, some helpful, and some, transformative.
This week I received a different kind of feedback from a group of Toastmasters I spoke to. Usually people limit their feedback to comments about how I affect them emotionally and how they will use my information.
Toastmasters is a speaking organization, and my audience members applied the principles they are learning to my presentation. They were able to be very specific about what skills I have mastered and where I have room to improve. Also, a few comments summarized my messages better than I do.
So, to Art, thanks for noticing that I sought to motive, inspire and inform in my few minutes. I’m glad I succeeded. For Cheryl, you gave me great feedback about finishing my points before I look at my notes. And Lenora, I am delighted with your comment about branding being much more than a marketing process. You are so right about that. Your comment will help me as I continually refine my Brand Aid process. http://www.speakstrong.com/articles/speak-strong/brand-aid.html
And thanks to everyone at Toastmasters’ Golden Speakers. my Military, Health care and Association audiences and all of my readers who take the time to give me considered feedback.
I encourage you to invite feedback from your “audiences.” Who knows what you’ll discover.
Read A Convenient Truth at Toastmasters here.
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Thanks Meryl for the link and for your great gifts that you so profusely share. This is my first time on your blog and website, so I’m looking forward to reading more about branding and more. Also, enjoying reading your books.
Comment by Lenora Boyle — April 25, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
Toastmasters is a great organization, but keep in mind that there is a strong “Toastmasters formula” that is generally the focus of any feedback you get there. I have found that things that work well for a Toastmasters crowd are a disaster with non-Toastmasters audiences.
Comment by Sharon — April 29, 2009 @ 6:14 pm
“Disaster” is a bit strong for me…but I do know what you’re talking about. The Toastmaster’s approach is more performance-oriented than I embrace.
When I auditioned for a seminar company, they made the same point you make. That said, I do believe my Toastmaster’s experience got me in the door.
Comment by merylrunion — May 11, 2009 @ 8:26 am