Whether you’re involved in professional communication training workshops, or just attempting to develop your own interpersonal communication skills, learning how to get honest feedback from others should always be included in your agenda. This issue frequently comes up when I’m delivering on-site communication training seminars, so I thought I’d give you a quick tip you can immediately use.
It’s difficult enough getting honest feedback from most people, but if the person from whom you’re trying to get the honest feedback likes or even loves you, it can be nearly impossible if you aren’t using the right communication technique. The next time you are looking to get honest feedback from someone, try this simple two-step process:
Step 1: Ask for the feedback. For example, “Tell me what you think about this report/this chili/that presentation I just gave.”
Let the person given an opinion. Most people want to tell you things that make you feel good. Let them. Receive it. Say thank you. Then they’ll be satisfied that they were able to tell you what they think you wanted to hear in the first place.
Step 2: Ask a “What would it take…” question. For example, “Thanks for your opinion. So tell me, what would it take to make it even more compelling/tasty/persuasive?” Then people will generally pause, think for a moment, and give you the constructive criticism you were looking for in the first place. Asking what would it take is a lot easier and more effective than saying, “Really? Really really? Honestly? Tell me the truth,” as many people do.
Remember that most people find it difficult to give constructive criticism. This communication technique helps you guide them through the process and makes it easier for them, and you end up getting the information you want.
Please take a moment to comment on this article below, and tell us how it worked for you–or feel free to ask a question.
Tags: Communication Advice, Communication Tips, communications training, effective communication, effective communication skills, Magic Phrases, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, scripting