How to write feedback to make a connection

by Joanna @ Confident Writing

One of the things I love the most about working as a writing coach is providing feedback on people’s written work. I love delving deep inside their words, getting a feel for their rhythm, tone, style, their patterns of speech. I love figuring out how their words could be even clearer and punchier, how cutting away some of the verbal clutter or restructuring the text can create an instant, powerful impact. And I love working out how to construct my own feedback to the person who’s invited me in to their writing space to share their thoughts, their feelings and their words.

I’ve been thinking about some of the things I try and do when I’m writing feedback – and that it might be useful to share these with you. (Of course my feedback is on people’s writing, but I think the same principles apply to other areas of endeavor.) My ingredients of constructive feedback include:

A relentless focus on the positive

People already spend too much time beating themselves up. I often have to work hard to get people used to the idea that their words, their writing, is of value. I will always pick out the positive features of a piece of writing

Recognise the positive intention

I try and figure out the positive intention behind the words. It’s another positive hook to focus on, and allows me to identify practical ways to adjust the language in order to deliver on the intention

Acknowledge subjectivity

Feedback can only ever be partial, based on your knowledge, skills, experience, perspective. I try and say things like “if I were writing this I’d try and do it this way round…” rather than a more directive “you should” (”shoulds” don’t tend to help anyone that much)

Share your reactions

This follows on from feedback being subjective. If a piece of writing has moved me, affected me in some way – even if it’s just a short sentence, a turn of phrase, a most powerful word – I’ll say so. (This alone can forge the most powerful connection)

Be specific

I think this is why I love giving feedback. It forces you into the detail – what specifically has gone a bit skew-iff with this bit of writing? What specifically did you like about it? Which words specifically struck a chord with you? And again, playing those specific words back can create a strong connection between you and the other peerson

Be constructive

People are looking for ways to improve. Don’t criticise and pick holes – look for ways to help someone become even better

Be honest

A client asked me recently if I’d be honest in the feedback I gave them. My answer was yes, of course. That doesn’t mean I’ll be blunt, or pick holes in their writing. I might want to get to know them (and their writing) a little better before we got down to the bare bones – because it might be that what they need more than anything is positive feedback, suggestions and confidence-building

Put yourself in their shoes

That’s about finding the positive intention, what the writer was trying to convey, and feeling your way into their words. For example if someone is always writing exceptionally long sentences that might suggest that they’re lacking a little confidence in expressing the point, or don’t (yet) believe that it’s okay to use short sentences.

Build on strengths

Everyone’s writing is different (just as everyone’s contribution at work is different). There’s no point trying to build an identikit worker or writer. My aim is to build on, encourage, inspire the writer within to realise the power of their own words

Mean it

Feedback is a way of forging a most powerful connection with someone else – their work, their words, the intention that’s driving them. It won’t work if you don’t mean it – but it sure will if you do.

Can you help me add to this list of ingredients? What kind of positive feedback works for you? What do you build in when you’re offering feedback to someone else?