Here's how you can refine your public speaking style using feedback.

1 Seek Feedback

Actively seeking feedback is the first step in refining your public speaking style. After your speech, reach out to your audience members or colleagues and ask for their honest opinions. It's important to approach this with an open mind and a thick skin because not all feedback will be positive. However, every piece of criticism is valuable and can be used to improve your future presentations. Be specific in your requests—ask about your pacing, clarity, volume, and body language. This targeted approach will yield more actionable insights than general comments.

2 Analyze Critiques

Once you've collected feedback, it's time to analyze it. Look for common themes or repeated suggestions, as these are likely the areas that need the most attention. It's easy to dismiss negative feedback as irrelevant or harsh, but it's crucial to remain objective. Consider creating a list of areas for improvement and prioritize them based on the frequency and impact of the comments received. Remember, the goal is to refine your style, not to change it completely, so focus on adjustments that feel authentic to you.

4 Solicit More Feedback

After making adjustments, it's essential to solicit more feedback to see if the changes have had the desired effect. This can be done by giving another presentation or by practicing in front of a test audience. Encourage them to be brutally honest—sugarcoating won't help you improve. Use this new round of critiques to fine-tune your approach further. This cycle of feedback and improvement should be ongoing; public speaking is a skill that can always be enhanced.

6 Build Confidence

Your confidence as a speaker will naturally increase as you refine your style using feedback. Embrace the journey of improvement and recognize that each critique helps you become a more effective communicator. Confidence comes from knowing you've put in the work to improve and from seeing the positive reactions of your audience. It's a virtuous cycle: the more confident you feel, the better you'll perform, leading to more positive feedback.