Last updated on Sep 1, 2024

Here's how you can give effective feedback to conference speakers for better presentations.

Giving effective feedback to conference speakers is crucial for the growth and improvement of their presentation skills. As an attendee or organizer, you have the unique opportunity to provide insights that can help speakers refine their message and delivery. Whether you're dealing with a seasoned professional or a nervous first-timer, your constructive criticism can be the key to a more impactful and engaging presentation. Remember, the goal is not to criticize but to empower speakers to deliver their best possible performance. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your feedback is not only heard but also appreciated and acted upon.

1 Prepare Well

Before you approach a speaker with feedback, make sure you have a clear understanding of the content they presented and the context in which they presented it. Pay attention to the structure of their talk, their delivery style, and how the audience reacted throughout the session. This will give you a solid foundation to offer specific and actionable feedback. Avoid vague comments like "good job" or "needs improvement." Instead, focus on particular aspects of the presentation, such as clarity of key points, use of visual aids, or engagement with the audience. Thoughtful preparation ensures your feedback is relevant and valuable.

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2 Be Specific

When giving feedback, specificity is key. Instead of saying a presentation was interesting or boring, pinpoint exactly what made it so. If a particular story captured your attention, mention it. If the data was hard to interpret, explain why. This helps the speaker understand which parts of their presentation had the desired effect and which parts may need tweaking. For instance, if you found the transitions between topics confusing, suggest ways to improve the flow. Specific feedback is more likely to lead to concrete improvements in future presentations.

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3 Stay Positive

It's important to frame your feedback positively. Begin with what the speaker did well to set a constructive tone. Highlighting strengths not only boosts confidence but also encourages speakers to continue using the techniques that work. When you do address areas for improvement, present them as opportunities rather than failures. For example, if a speaker's body language seemed closed off, suggest ways to appear more open and engaging rather than simply pointing out the problem. Positive feedback fosters a supportive environment that promotes learning and development.

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4 Offer Solutions

After identifying areas for improvement, don't just leave the speaker with a list of issuesâ€”offer practical solutions or resources that can help them improve. For example, if you noticed the speaker seemed nervous, recommend techniques for managing public speaking anxiety. If their slides were overcrowded with text, suggest ways to simplify information and make it more visually appealing. By providing constructive advice, you empower speakers to make positive changes and enhance their future presentations.

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5 Encourage Dialogue

Encourage an open dialogue by asking the speaker how they felt about their presentation before sharing your thoughts. This approach shows respect for their self-assessment and may reveal insights into their intentions and challenges. By understanding the speaker's perspective, you can tailor your feedback to be more effective. Moreover, engaging in a two-way conversation can lead to a more nuanced exchange of ideas and help build a relationship of mutual respect and collaboration.

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Brittany Liner Lang, M.S.

Director, Leadership Development & Founder
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The way you approach this conversation will set the tone for your entire event. This can enhance how relevant/ interesting the content is & how appreciated your presenter feels after this interaction. By asking the presenter, as an attendee what would they like most about their presentation and is there anything that might not land with their audience. Sometimes your presenter already knows the presentation needs a pivot. They just need someone to help them solve what that looks like. Other times, they may be unaware of how the presentation can be refined & thatâ€™s okay too. Just be prepared to give positive points & advise of pain points that may not be clear, visual pleasing or relatable. Ensure to provide advice how they can solve it.

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6 Follow Up

Lastly, consider offering to follow up with the speaker after the conference. This shows a genuine interest in their development and provides an opportunity for ongoing mentorship. You could suggest meeting for a coffee or connecting via a professional network to discuss progress. Following up reinforces the importance of your feedback and can help ensure that the speaker takes your advice to heart and continues to evolve their presentation skills.

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Abdullah Nami

Project Management Consultant @ Saudi Aramco | Project Management
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Fear of public speaking is a common type of anxiety. It can range from mild nervousness to intense fear and panic. Many people who have a fear of public speaking avoid public speaking situations altogether, or struggle in those situations with shaky hands and a trembling voice. But with perseverance and preparation, you can overcome this fear.

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Here's how you can give effective feedback to conference speakers for better presentations.

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Prepare Well

2 Be Specific

3 Stay Positive

4 Offer Solutions

5 Encourage Dialogue

6 Follow Up

Conference Organization

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Directory

Here's how you can give effective feedback to conference speakers for better presentations.

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Prepare Well

2 Be Specific

3 Stay Positive

4 Offer Solutions

5 Encourage Dialogue

6 Follow Up

Conference Organization

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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