Feedback.
It’s both a necessary and scary part of improving our elevator pitch.
The problem is that feedback can be helpful or harmful. Over the years, I’ve given feedback to dozens of communicators. Having been on the receiving end of feedback myself, I wanted to create a way that was definitely helpful while avoiding the harmful part.
It’s why I created three sections of feedback. The first focused on encouragement, the second on improvement with the final section outlining one takeaway for next time. The following is the format of my evaluation process and how you can leverage it.
1. What Went Well.
I try to find at least three things that went well with the presentation. It’s also helpful to begin with encouragement to pave the way for the next section.
2. Suggestions for Improvement.
Remember, perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is. This is where progress most often lives.
3. One Practical Takeaway for Next Time.
As Malcolm Gladwell has said, “It takes 10,000 hours to become proficient at something.” Each pitch or presentation is a a step toward 10,000 hours. Finding one practical takeaway to improve for your next pitch is not only helpful, it also takes some of the pressure off.
Try this after your next pitch. In fact, ask a trusted friend to give you feedback based on this three sections. The more you do this, the better you’ll get. And the better you get, the better you pitch.
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