How do you give feedback to inexperienced storytellers?

When giving feedback to inexperienced storytellers, always start with appreciation. Acknowledge their effort, highlight their strengths, and then provide constructive suggestions to help them improve.

Always start with what is working. Specifically share how their story made you feel and which parts were most vivid. Remind them to keep these parts. Often when people are editing their stories they will remove things that are good if they didn't get acknowledged. Acknowledge the good so it doesn't end up on the cutting floor!

Beginning feedback sessions with a genuine expression of appreciation is key to fostering a constructive and positive environment. Start by thanking the storyteller for sharing their story and recognizing the effort and courage it took to do so. Highlighting something positive about the story, such as a unique idea, a compelling character, a vivid description, or an unexpected twist, can uplift the storyteller and set a positive tone for the feedback process.

First of all, you need to ensure that you understand the perspective the storyteller is coming from. So, one can be very objective while giving the feedback. As for me, I will: 1. Commend the storyteller for a job well done- this makes him/her believe that s(he) can do it. 2. I will start with the parts that barely needs or doesn't need correction- so, the person will be ease. 3. Then, I will move to the parts that need more correction and tell the person in the kindest way to work on that. 4. Tell the person to try again. Say something like 'This is amazing, but, I am very sure you will do better when you try it again," Always have it mind that your feedback is enough to keep people going or even kill their dreams.

Appreciation and recognition provides hormonal hits which will be felt strongly by the storyteller. It is easy to always find fault ... look for the negatives ... but the importance of seeing the positives and good is significant. So do share that all important "great work" - the encouragement is needed and appreciated!

The sandwich method is a great way to offer constructive criticism while keeping the overall tone positive and encouraging. One additional tip I would offer is to ensure the praise sections are genuine and specific. Vague or insincere compliments can undermine the credibility of the feedback. Another crucial aspect is delivering the critique with empathy and respect. Focus on the work itself, not the person, and offer concrete suggestions for improvement. When used thoughtfully, the sandwich method can foster a culture of growth and openness to feedback.

O problema do "método do sanduíche" é que todo mundo o conhece. A gente já sabe que aquele elogio é só para amaciar a crítica pesada. Analise a técnica, não a ideia. Não julgue a pessoa, foque em fazer aquela história a melhor possível. Deste jeito não precisa existir crítica "Positiva" nem "Negativa".

An important note here is to 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀. Don't give general ones, as you won't be believed.

I highly endorse the sandwich method for structuring feedback. This technique is both common and effective because it balances praise with constructive criticism, creating a supportive environment for growth. Starting with specific and genuine praise acknowledges the storyteller's strengths and builds their confidence. Following with respectful critique offers actionable insights for improvement, fostering their development. Ending with more praise and encouragement reinforces their positive attributes and motivates them to continue honing their skills. This balanced approach ensures that feedback is well-received and productive, ultimately benefiting both the storyteller and the feedback giver.

The sandwich method works because it balances praise and critique, creating a safe space for growth. It shows genuine appreciation while offering valuable insights. Giving feedback can be tricky! The feedback sandwich is a powerful tool to help aspiring storytellers grow. First, celebrate the filling! Point out specific elements you enjoyed: characters, dialogue, emotions. This boosts confidence and shows you're invested. Next, a sprinkle of critique. Identify areas for improvement, like pacing or clarity. Offer suggestions respectfully, not ultimatums. Finally, more praise! Mention what you learned or how it resonated. This encourages them to keep writing. 🌻

Almost 100% of the time that I’m working with inexperienced storytellers, they are worried about squeezing ALL of the information into a piece, instead of concentrating on the most compelling “slice” in time. By zero-ing in on the most compelling moment in the story, complimenting it, and helping them use their 5 senses to get the reader/viewer “in their body”, you’ll see the confidence of new storytellers climb!

I find that when selecting the key points to give feedback on, focus on the weakest component in the narrative structure or storytelling technique. This is usually what removes the most from the underlying theme of the story - or hinders the core message from being delivered. Also, remember that it's better to focus properly on a single point of improvement - ie going through it from start to finish with your student - than to confuse with superficial feedback in a range of different areas.

There are 100 things we can work on when it comes to storytelling and public speaking. The key: "Focus on what distracts people the most from your message." For example, using a few filler words throughout your presentation probably won’t distract people from your message. But if you use filler words every five seconds, or if your accent is so strong that no one understands you well, it will. In that case, focus on the one to two things that distract people the most from the message, and then take action to improve within that area until the next speaking opportunity.

I always find where you actually go into specifics what they are good at so they can have the confidence and 2 or 3 pointers on areas to improve. Recording it for them to see would also be helpful so they can see for themselves

Picture a spotlight illuminating the stage, highlighting the main actors. Similarly, when giving feedback, zoom in on one or two pivotal aspects of the storytelling. Whether it's character development, pacing, or imagery, hone in on areas where targeted improvements can make the biggest impact. By focusing their attention, you empower storytellers to refine their skills effectively.

A melhor maneira de fazer uma pessoa criativa não seguir sua sugestão é dizendo <como> ela deve resolver um problema. Faça perguntas. "O que esta parte queria dizer?" ou aponte as suas dificuldades, como "Não entendi o que esta parte quis dizer". Depois, deixe para que a pessoa descubra como resolver cada ponto.

Open-ended questions are powerful tools for developing storytellers because they spark reflection and encourage self-discovery. Open-ended queries invite deeper exploration of ideas, emotions, and creative possibilities. By asking, "How did you feel when...?" or "What might happen if...?", we prompt storytellers to explore their own experiences and imaginations. This process helps them uncover unique insights and perspectives, fostering originality in their narratives. These questions also build confidence by implying that the storyteller's thoughts and ideas are valuable. They shift the focus from external validation to internal exploration, encouraging storytellers to trust their instincts and develop their distinctive voice.

Asking open-ended questions is a great way to gain a better understanding behind each storytelling choice the individual used, as well as the goal they were trying to accomplish. Having this background insight can help you provide more niche feedback to help them improve in the future and/or in their next draft.

Favorite open-ended questions to ask: --> "How do you think that went?" --> "What do you think you can improve on?" --> "What went well?" --> "What do you want the audience to feel?" Giving feedback on someone's storytelling is like a Director giving notes on an actor's performance. You can't just say "you talked too fast, you didn't seem confident." No way! That will only crumple their esteem. Open ended questions give them room to share what THEY think they can improve on.

It goes without saying that feedback is a blessing in disguise, for it can help one improve their craft and become a better version of themselves, irrespective of the industry or niche. One thing that must be taken into consideration is the element of respect and politeness. Storytelling is all about creativity and imagination, and everyone is different when it comes to concocting ideas or imagining scenarios. Thus, ensure you sound polite and professional while giving feedback to a novice storyteller. Instead of saying "The ending was confusing," it's more effective to express, "I found the ending confusing." This approach reflects your personal experience and allows for a more open discussion about improvements.

Feedback, and being continuously open to it, is crucial for improved storytelling. It can come in any form, dependant on the storytelling scenario. If you are receiving the feedback, be open to the engagement metrics, comments, reviews, advice. It may give you the chance to change your storytelling there and then, or improve upon the next one. If you are giving the feedback, ensure you share it with context, clarity and conclusion ... and in a respectful and supportive tone.

Whether we care to admit it or not, feedback is ALWAYS a blessing in disguise. Whether we absolutely knocked it out of the park, or if we tripped and fell on our face, there are always, always, always lessons in both. When giving or receiving feedback, it's important to remember that there will always be someone that is one step ahead of you (better than you), and always someone that is one step behind (not quite as good as you). Learn from those that are ahead, and teach/coach those that are behind you.

Every storyteller is on a unique voyage, navigating uncharted waters of creativity. As a feedback provider, cultivate an atmosphere of support and respect. Offer constructive criticism with kindness, understanding that behind every story lies a piece of the storyteller's heart. Uphold their dignity and creativity, fostering an environment where growth flourishes in a bed of mutual respect.

Feedback is like a gift, the giver should wrap it with joy and thoughtfulness and receiver should find value in the same! Start giving feedback to the storyteller by creating a positive tone and appreciating the courage to tell the story in front of the audience. Share what all moments went great in the story. A genuine and considerate feedback goes a long way to help the storyteller to focus on improvement areas. Being respectful to the artist’s efforts encourages the storyteller to improve further.

By acknowledging the strengths of the story first, you create a sense of value and motivation for the storyteller, making them more receptive to constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. Cultivating a supportive and encouraging feedback culture can enhance collaboration, growth, and storytelling skills development.

I like to help storytellers set and stay oriented to a goal. In my work, we're often working to shift a broad narrative or educate the public about a topic such as unsafe housing. So, if a member knows their focus for this story is to educate the public about the unsafe housing conditions using their personal story, it helps us work together to decide which context is unnecessary for this story or where a more vivid description would help.

Provide them a structure. Storytelling is a process which can be applied to any communication scenario. As introduced in my new book - 28 Bags of Sprouts Storytelling With Impact ... I introduce the unique sprout model. Made up of 6 layers (and 28 ingredients) .. follow them and your impact will improve significantly. In summary the 6 Layers are: 1. Impact - Define the impact that you wish your storytelling to make. 2. People - Know who you are storytelling to. 3. Start Point - Set the scene, introduce the context. 4. Main Event - showcase the event and the action. 5. End Point - Bring clarity and closure. 6. Nurture - Bring creativity and energy throughout your storytelling

Like a compass guiding travelers through unfamiliar terrain, offer additional insights and resources to enrich their storytelling journey. Share tips, recommend books, or suggest workshops that can expand their storytelling toolkit. Encourage them to experiment, fail, and learn, for it is in the process of exploration that mastery is attained. Together, let us embark on a collaborative adventure, weaving tales that captivate hearts and inspire minds.

Provide actionable advice and guidance. Storytelling can seem like it comes naturally to storytellers, which can hinder their ability to give constructive advice and critique to learners. Storytelling skills without pedagogy and knowledge transmission skills result in poor teaching and a lack of capacity to communicate methods and address inconsistencies.