Feedback Makes Perfect

Video_Feedback_Makes_PerfectWhen did you last record yourself practicing for a presentation? Odds are excellent your smartphone has video camera capability – give it a try! You’ve got nothing to lose, and your presentation has so much to gain.

Practicing without feedback maintains your status quo instead of growing your presentation prowess. We all want to improve how our message comes across to our audience – practicing with feedback makes that possible. Click here to watch 2Connect’s quick 90-second video on presentation feedback done right.

You’ve recorded a practice presentation video – now what? Grab a cold drink, pull up a comfortable chair, and get ready to watch your video 4 different ways – always keeping your audience in mind:

1. IN REGULAR PLAY MODE

Observe yourself and write down your first impressions.

  • Is it engaging you?
  • Are you seeing structure?
  • How is your energy?
  • Are your slides aiding, or overtaking, your message?

Identify two strengths and two areas to develop.

2. VOLUME UP WITH YOUR BACK TO THE SCREEN

This viewing allows you to focus exclusively on your voice quality and word choice.

As you listen, focus in on:

  • Projection
  • Enunciation
  • Vocal variety
  • Filler words (uhm’s, ah’s etc.)
  • Overall word choice

Identify strengths as well as any areas for improvement.

3. VOLUME DOWN LOOKING AT THE SCREEN

This view allows you to focus on your body language which accounts for a large portion of our communication. Body language will usually trump our verbal communication.

As you view the recording in this mode, imagine you are in the audience observing this presenter:

  • What message would you be receiving from the presenter’s body language? Excitement? Passion? Confidence?
  • What needs to change in your body language to communicate the right message?

4. FAST FORWARD

In this mode you are able to see themes and trends in your delivery. The goal is to observe variety in your movements and gestures with a consistent focus toward the audience.

After your own review, share the practice video and these tips with a trusted colleague to get additional feedback. Practice alone won’t make your presentation perfect, but incorporating feedback brings presentation perfection within reach.

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