Monday, September 21, 2009
The Power of Positive Criticism
An important part of becoming a strong speaker is using the feedback from your audience to develop a self awareness of yourself and your message. We spoke about the idea of viewing the critiques that you will receive on your speeches as a "gift" from your classmates to becoming a stronger speaker. We need to stay aware of how we share this information with each other. What words or ways will you share with each other suggestions for strengths and improvements? It is important to always remember that the criticism should be positive in form whether it is sharing a strength or necessary improvement. What ways can you share suggestions for ways to improve? Try to think what can I teach another student when I critique them, not just list of speech criteria. Check out this brief article. Dr. Weisinger is a psychologist, author that addresses the area of positive criticism and emotional intelligence as a means to finding both personal and professional success. Share in your comments suggestions for what needs to be addressed in your opinion in speech critiques. How will you share this information? And, have you ever receive a critique that you found useful? Or destructive? What things have you found to be helpful in receiving advice? This blog comment is due on Monday, September 29th at the start of class.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Critism is defintely needed in public speaking. In doing so the speaker can improve whatever is needed to be fixed when they speak or in their speeches. You can share this information in any form, but the simplest form would just be having a conversation. Teling the speaker what you think they can do to improve and also include what you liked about the speech. Always include postivie aspects of the speech and negative. I dont think anyone or youself would want to just hear all negative comments and positive comments can make the speaker feel more confident.
ReplyDeleteI have had critism in my last public speaking class. The information was very usefull. It was that I talked to fast and I learned to relax in front of an audience more and it slowed down my speaking. Receiving advice is helpful in any aspect of life. Advice whether it comes from a friend, relative, stranger, or spouse can be so powerful. It makes you better at what you do. If you cant see it, then someone else can. Advice in public speaking is so important and can make you so much better. Without advice or critism, you woudlnt get better.
Things that needed to be addressed in public speaking critiques are how clear you speak, eye contact, how well you know the subject, how well you connect with your audience, if you believe in what you are talking about, your physical motions, and your confidence. Another thing you needed to be critique on is how your speech is put together and orginization in it. Critism can be a powerful tool and helpful tool in public speaking.
Criticism is something that is very important while in a public speaking class. Criticism will help you be able to improve with the way you deliver your speech. Criticism could be given in any form but the one key form is to explain to the speaker by talking to them and demonstrating what they are exactly doing wrong. For example If the speaker is standing the wrong way then the person giving the criticism can display the right way that you should stand while giving the speech. A very important aspect that people should always remember is you want the criticism to be positive and you want the reader to understand that you are giving this criticism to help them and not to make fun of them. The way you go about explaining the criticism can make the biggest difference.
ReplyDeleteI have had positive criticism from several of my other classes. Whether it was an English class when I had to give a presentation or a public speaking class, I was always told that I talked way to fast and that I seemed so nervous up there. I will be honest at first I thought they were just being to tough on me but then I started working in a car dealership and everyone there told me that I talk way to fast and I need to learn to slow down. I took the criticism and positive comments and worked with it. Criticism is there to help you, and should be looked upon as a gift.
I find that the most useful criticism that one can share is, your body language do you tend to close yourself off for example, cross your arms stand with your feet crossed. Another big important aspect is your eye contact. You want to make sure you include everyone in your speech and feel that they are just as important as the person sitting next to them. The most important criticism is the pace that you talk. You do not want to talk so fast that everyone misses what you have to say and you also don’t want to talk to slow that you put everyone to sleep. Criticism is very hard to do on someone else but it is also the best thing you can do for someone. If they don’t know what they are doing wrong then they can never fix it.
I have to admit I do not take criticism well, even positive criticism. I am aware that it is something that I have to work on, however, and plan to use the five characteristics listed in the article to do that. It is really a case of believing that another person is earnestly trying to help me by pointing out how I can improve. I have a desire to improve and I believe this will fuel my being open to critique.
ReplyDeleteSpeech critique should be shared in a non- accusatory tone, a kind voice. I wouldn't want the person I am trying to help to get defensive, which I feel is often the case. Things such as body language, interaction with the audience and nervous habits are areas that I notice many public speakers struggling with. I feel these would be good areas to critique.
I have received both positive and negative critique over the years but very little of it was constructive. It left me feeling lost. Critique should be followed with some ideas for the speaker on how to improve and move forward. Of course, no criticism is by far the worst criticism. In many cases people just look blankly and clap and never let someone know that they were incessantly pulling at their arm the whole time. Consequently that person goes on to do that, never even aware of the fact that they are. Criticism is necessary and important but as I said previosuly it should always be given in a kind and caring manner.
Part I:
ReplyDeleteIn the public speaking course I took under the banner of Ocean County College, I never had the opportunity to give and receive positive criticism. Only through the professor's comments to us on the outline and the applause of our classmates after the speech ended did we get feedback. However, in the many film classes that I have taken as a Kean student, I have had numerous opportunities to practice positive criticism, both in reviews of the works of fellow classmates and those of well-known film artists. I never became too skilled at spontaneous positive criticism when it was my turn, but I look forward to tuning the craft over the course of this semester.
The article, "Are You a Positive Critic?...It's in Your Best Interest to Be!," by Dr. Hendrie Weisinger, that is linked in the blog was very interesting and really opened my eyes to how strong positive criticism can be, if received correctly. While reading the article, the first thought that came to mind was that I could certainly actively seek out more of an awareness of others. I am at a point in my life where I am very self-aware, but my awareness of others could be greater. In the second paragraph of the article, the last sentence, "(one of criticism's chief functions is to help you learn about yourself)," reminded me of the example our professor told us about in class of the student who kept "shadow boxing" with his hands the entire time he was speaking and had no idea.
In the fourth point of the article, discussing how the positive critic is active, the last sentence made me think. It states, "Her behavior matches the attitude of, "Please tell me how I can do better. I want to know what you think." I believe most of the time, the majority of people possess the attitude of, "...I want to know what you think, as long as it makes me feel good!" I know for myself, I can say that these were my thoughts even as recently as a year ago. Since then, I have learned to actively seek out the opinions and feedback of others, even in times of casual disagreements. In the concluding paragraph of the article, in which the author discusses practicing positive criticism, I stopped and considered myself when I read the statement, "He shows how to give and take criticism." I know that I need to learn how to better walk this out in life without becoming offended or giving off offense, and I'm sure our practicing during this semester will help.
In speech critiques, what I believe needs to be addressed is whether the speech was clear and understandable, how the speech flowed in terms of organization, the rate and pace of speaking, the physical presentation in terms of body movement, and the visual side of the presentation and items used to further aid the speech. When the opportunity to give positive criticism is in my hands, I will share this information with the person whom I am critiquing as if I am on the receiving end of the criticism, taking into account how I would want to hear it delivered to me.
Sorry this had to be divided into two separate posts. Part II:
ReplyDeleteThroughout my life, there have been many informal critiques that I have found useful even in casual conversation, where my friends and family have pointed out areas of my speech etiquette that needed improvement. A few good examples of these areas are how I have been talking too fast, how I have slurred my words together, how I have mumbled from time to time, or lately, how I overuse phrases such as "I'm sorry." Often, it is easy for us to see the weaknesses of others, but not our own when we speak, at least not as many as we choose to pay attention to in our peers. Most of the time, my friends and family provided me with feedback out of frustration and not always in the most positive context. Regardless, every time I have been informally critiqued, I have seen how they have had my best interest in mind.
One major useful source I have found in helping to receive advice is to take into account that the advice is being offered in order for me to better myself and improve the next time around. The knowledge that it is not just myself alone being critiqued, but every member of the class, is also very helpful. It assists in putting into perspective the need for positive criticism in all walks of life.
Criticism is always hard to take especially when you aren't sure of yourself to begin with. I think it's important to understand that whoever is giving you the criticism is just trying to help you. I definitely agree with the article in reference to one being aware of how they come across. "Because they value awareness about themselves, it is natural for them to be receptive to criticism (one of criticism's chief functions is to help you learn about yourself)". Criticism should be addressed in a considerate way so the speaker knows how they appear in their delivery. I plan to share criticism in the most positive way possible.
ReplyDeleteI've only received feedback on speeches from teachers - never from my peers. My teachers/professors always graded students and critiqued them individually. It will be interesting to see what peers have to say as opposed to your teacher. I can't say the criticism was ever destructive but I've never gotten comments that made me a better public speaker.
I think advice is helpful when it's able to be applied. For example instead of just telling someone they shouldn't shift back and forth - you should give them some ideas to help relax so they won't have to. I think it's important that the whole class will be critiqued. If everyone is involved people will be less offended.
Positive feedback is absolutely one of the most important aspects of not only giving a speech, but just about anything you do where something you’ve created is being put on display in front of other people. In my own personal experiences, when it comes to writing music, or even doing group projects where you share your creative ideas with other people-- having positive criticism coming from both sides is the only way to help you grow. When someone encourages your ideas it empowers you, and even when someone points out your faults (if it is in a positive way), it gives you the awareness and determination to strive to do better the next time. In Dr. Weisinger’s article he talks about the awareness of others, which I find to be something that one should take into considerable account while critiquing. What he says about being aware of another’s emotions and actions isn’t exactly the kind of things I had thought about before when giving positive criticism. It was always more based strictly on the point they were trying to get across in their speech, not so much maybe how they felt about the topic. But, in the future I think I will try and recognize those factors to help understand the speaker’s point of view, and give them better feedback.
ReplyDeleteIn my first public speaking class most of the kids were tired because it was in the early morning or too shy to give really thorough criticism on each other’s speeches. There were a few people here and there that would note on things like eye contact and shuffling of feet, but nothing really on the delivery of the speech. I feel that verbal is just as important as non-verbal and that pacing and pitch and the tone of your voice are a really big deal. I know for myself the first few speeches I would kind of rush through them because I was so nervous, and the professor would note on that during critiques and it did help me out overall to remember when I was up there to slow down. I think that in this class I’m going to try to apply all of the things I picked up on in that first class from watching other new speakers give their speeches and apply it to the critiques I give the students in this class. Also, I’ll use what I’ve learned about criticism to help myself be aware of how I give my speeches and accept critiques of what I’ve done.
Criticism helps you build as a person, it make you stronger. I’ve never had a problem with giving people criticism. unfortunately hours later I’ll think back and wonder if it was proper or well received. It wasn’t until a employer of mine gave me the best piece of criticism and advice I have ever gotten. He taught me that people tend to get defensive when receiving criticism. The only way to get people to receive criticism is to gently give it to them. You have to approach them by saying that you’ve “noticed” something and give them suggestions on how they can change. You talk to the recipient with kindness and keep it subtle, don’t yell at them or be insensitive.
ReplyDeleteI’ve never been able to receive criticism though . I always worry that its all going to be negative. After reading the article by Dr. Weisinger, I realized that in order to become a stronger speaker, I have to be open to criticism. I have the philosophy that “people are in the process of becoming their best” but the rest of his points I struggle at. I have to be more aware of myself and others. I should also pursue criticism and value it.
When listening to a speaker, I would first analyze what I’m listening to. I would listen for stuttering, mumbling and keep in mind of the phase “what’s in it for me?”. Then I look at the physical ticks and nervous traits. Whether they might be constantly blinking or slouching. All while finding out the importance of the speech. Asking myself questions like “Was this speech focused on the audience?”, “Did it grab people?”. When critiquing the person, I would talk to them with kindness, and ease them into the criticism. I’ll keep them from getting defensive and help them become a better speaker.
Receiving criticism can be difficult; even when the response is given by a positive critic. After reading Dr. Weisinger's article, I feel that by learning the tools to become a positive critic that I can also learn how to effectively handle criticism. Most importantly, I feel that we can not control the criticisms that are directed towards us, we can only control how we respond and react. I think that it is important to always be aware that when someone is criticizing your speech that the are not criticizing you. I try to look at criticism as a tool to improve myself. Although I may not always agree with the advice that is given to me, I try to find some way to apply it to my life in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, what needs to be addressed in speech critiques is the strong points. By focusing on the strong points of the speech, I believe the "critiquer" can be most helpful in navigating the speakers focus and direction. Hi-lighting the positive points of the speech makes accepting the criticism easier. In the past, I have received criticism that have less than helpful because I was not willing to accept what they had to say based on their negative delivery. No one wants to hear how poorly they did and criticism should strive to bring out the best in a person; not the worst.
Jennifer Farina
Let’s be honest, when we think of criticism we’re suddenly overtaken by a negative connotation. Is it because the media and entertainment industry have made it their M.O. to attach negativity to their criticisms? They seem to have influenced the act of critiquing by instilling the sense that criticism can only be negative because it targets flaws and only flaws. Wrong; especially as explained by Dr. Weisinger. Criticism can be positive in the sense that it can provide the framework for improvement and the inspiration for building confidence. The consensus seems to lie in the fact that we as people have trouble accepting criticism. The truth is we often feel others are intruding on our mannerisms and stomping on our ideas; that’s how I felt at least.
ReplyDeleteIn the past I’ve had issues with accepting criticism. I often felt others had no idea what they were talking about and in their critique, failed to realize they exposed my mannerisms as flaws. In truth, I’ve learned when it comes to public speaking, mannerisms both physical and mental, can be flaws when acting as interference between you, your audience, and an effective speech delivery. On a positive note, I learned that if I just took the time to clear my mind and listen to what my peers suggested, they were actually providing very helpful advice in improving my public speaking. This realization did not just help my battle with public speaking, but opened doors to other aspects of my interest such as music and writing. I learned to not take criticism as an insult, but rather set my personal feelings aside, take the advice I was given into account, put it into effect, and survey the results. What I found was a significant improvement.
Looking back, I’ve realized our ability to take criticism is a parallel to our maturity. As we grow, we learn a lot about ourselves and our abilities. When I think about myself of the past, I see someone who did not seem to want to accept anyone else’s opinion or advice because it may have suggested a change to something I was comfortable with and therefore threatened my comfort. I feel that seems to be a major issue among people and criticism. People are afraid of changing or attempting to deal with threats to their comfort. No one wants to leave their comfort zone and I understand that, but sometimes leaving our comfort zone opens doors to new opportunity, ideas, and risks that can lead to very pleasing rewards. I’ve learned that when it comes to public speaking, not only do you have to dig deep for the confidence and will to face your audience, but you have to open yourself up to them. You have to learn to accept what they see and hear because what you see and hear may seem perfect as it’s the perception of your own senses and may be delivered without fault. It is our will to listen that improves our speaking.
As the blog and subsequent article suggests positive criticism is an important tool in becoming and helping others become better speakers. In my opinion it starts with the giving aspect of this process. Without being able to provide feedback to others, it is much harder to interpret and process criticism from others without taking it personally. Immediate feedback such as nodding, smiling, and the like are important methods for keeping your speaker encouraged and confident that he/she is conveying their message effectively. With this acknowledgment of an attentive audience a speaker can preform to the best of their ability during their presentation while knowing that their message is being received. This allows for maximum growth, as any post-speech criticism is best reflective of the intended message.
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of ways I can improve by taking criticism. I am aware that there are areas of my speech delivery that I can improve upon, but are difficult to identify without the audiences point of view. There are aspects of body language that can be done subconsciously that a speaker may not be aware of, and as a result, difficult to correct without a member of the audience pointing them out. I think that is most important to be aware of others intent. If you are able to give criticism you can better take it and apply it positively without feeling offended or defensive.
In the past, I have tended to rush through my thoughts, without realizing it at the time, and therefore did not deliver my message as effectively as possible. I need to remember that the audience is counting on me to convey the information, as I am the expected expert on the subject, and that in order to pass the information along, one must take things slowly and allow the audience to absorb the information. This has been pointed out to me in the past, and it is something that I now actively am aware of during the speech delivery process.
However, criticism is all in how you receive it, because even the best intentions can be destructive if they are not taken with a receptive ear. Something that is meant to be helpful, can turn into a confidence breaker if you have your guard up and your ego and pride are on your sleeve. I believe that in order to grow and develop your skills in a given area (not limited to public speaking either), the process of having people to provide constructive criticism, coupled with an open mind to applying suggestions is the best way to better ones self in many of life's aspects ,personal and professional.
It is critical to be aware of how you appear to other people when you speak, especially in the working world. A public speaking class’s feedback is crucial in helping us understand what we need to improve on in our communication to others and how to do it. Criticism, whether positive or negative, should always be used as a tool because it helps us develop our skills so that we can tweak the changes that are necessary in order to portray ourselves better to whomever we are speaking to, whether it’s one person, a group of people, or an entire audience.
ReplyDeleteI am currently on the road to becoming a teacher and pretty soon I will have to be up in front of a class of students every day. It’s important to figure out my strengths weaknesses as a speaker by receiving criticism so that I can change whatever it is I need improvement on before I begin my career. A public speaking class can help me improve on my self-awareness and learn how an audience reacts to what I say to them. Being a positive critic to my classmates will ultimately improve their speaking skills for their career aspirations as well. Anyone can use others criticism to help themselves improve. We could all use a little information about ourselves. It will be extremely useful in the long-run!
I am open-minded and take all the criticism as a lesson from what I can improve. I do not get offended by negative criticism, I accept it and try to grow from it. Anything that you guys think I should change about my speeches i would like you guys to tell me. Since you cannot see yourself perform, audience's feedback is gold.
ReplyDelete