9.2 Giving and receiving feedback
9 min read•august 20, 2024
Giving and receiving feedback is a crucial part of the writing process. It helps writers grow, improve their skills, and gain new perspectives on their work. By learning to navigate different types of feedback, writers can identify their strengths and weaknesses more effectively.
Effective feedback involves focusing on specific elements, providing concrete examples, and balancing praise with criticism. Writers who approach feedback with an open mindset, ask clarifying questions, and implement valuable suggestions can maximize its benefits and continuously refine their craft.
Benefits of feedback
- Feedback is an essential component of the writing process that helps writers grow and improve their skills
- Receiving and praise from others provides valuable insights into how readers perceive and respond to the writer's work
- Feedback enables writers to identify areas where they excel and aspects of their writing that need further development
Improving writing skills
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- Feedback helps writers refine their storytelling techniques (character development, plot structure, dialogue)
- Provides guidance on enhancing the , coherence, and overall effectiveness of the writing
- Offers suggestions for strengthening the writer's unique voice and style
- Helps writers learn to self-edit and critically evaluate their own work
Gaining new perspectives
- Feedback from diverse sources exposes writers to different interpretations and reactions to their work
- Provides insights into how readers from various backgrounds and experiences engage with the writing
- Helps writers consider alternative approaches to storytelling and character development
- Encourages writers to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of their creativity
Identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Feedback illuminates the most compelling and successful aspects of a writer's work (vivid descriptions, , well-paced action)
- Pinpoints areas that require further development or clarification (plot holes, inconsistent characterization, awkward phrasing)
- Helps writers prioritize their efforts and focus on the most critical areas for improvement
- Enables writers to capitalize on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses
Types of feedback
- Feedback can take various forms, each serving a specific purpose in the writer's development
- Different types of feedback offer unique benefits and challenges for writers to navigate
- Understanding the distinctions between feedback types helps writers effectively process and apply the input they receive
Constructive criticism
- Focuses on identifying areas for improvement and offering specific suggestions for addressing them
- Provides a balanced assessment of the writing's strengths and weaknesses
- Aims to help the writer enhance the quality and impact of their work
- Delivered in a respectful, supportive manner that encourages growth and learning
Positive reinforcement
- Highlights the most effective and engaging aspects of the writing
- Offers praise and encouragement to boost the writer's confidence and motivation
- Reinforces the writer's unique strengths and successful storytelling techniques
- Helps writers identify and build upon the elements that resonate with readers
Objective observations
- Provides a neutral, unbiased assessment of the writing without offering judgment or recommendations
- Focuses on describing the work's content, structure, and style without evaluating its quality
- Allows writers to draw their own conclusions about the effectiveness of their writing
- Encourages writers to critically examine their work and make informed decisions about revisions
Giving effective feedback
- Providing constructive, actionable feedback is a skill that requires practice and sensitivity
- Effective feedback is specific, evidence-based, and tailored to the writer's goals and needs
- Delivering feedback in a clear, respectful manner maximizes its impact and helps maintain positive relationships
Focusing on specific elements
- Pinpoint precise aspects of the writing that are successful or need improvement (character development, dialogue, pacing)
- Avoid generalizations or vague comments that lack actionable insights
- Address both macro-level concerns (overall plot structure, themes) and micro-level details (word choice, sentence structure)
- Prioritize feedback based on the most critical areas for the writer's growth and the work's success
Providing concrete examples
- Offer specific examples from the text to illustrate your feedback (quotes, passages, scenes)
- Use examples to highlight the writing's strengths and areas for improvement
- Suggest alternative approaches or solutions using concrete examples from the work or other relevant sources
- Clarify your feedback by demonstrating how your suggestions could be implemented in practice
Balancing praise and criticism
- Recognize and celebrate the writing's successes to boost the writer's confidence and motivation
- Pair constructive criticism with to create a balanced, supportive feedback environment
- Emphasize the writer's potential for growth and improvement, even when addressing weaknesses
- Maintain a respectful, encouraging tone throughout the feedback process
Considering the writer's goals
- Tailor your feedback to align with the writer's objectives and intended audience
- Consider the work's genre, tone, and style when offering suggestions and critique
- Respect the writer's creative vision while offering guidance for enhancing its execution
- Engage in dialogue with the writer to understand their perspective and incorporate their insights into your feedback
Receiving feedback gracefully
- Processing and incorporating feedback is a crucial skill for writers to develop
- Receiving criticism, even when constructive, can be emotionally challenging and requires a
- Approaching feedback with openness, curiosity, and a commitment to improvement maximizes its benefits
Maintaining an open mindset
- Recognize that feedback is an opportunity for growth and learning, not a personal attack
- Approach feedback with a willingness to consider new perspectives and ideas
- Embrace the discomfort of having your work critiqued as a necessary part of the learning process
- Cultivate a growth mindset that values continuous improvement over perfection
Asking clarifying questions
- Engage in dialogue with your feedback provider to deepen your understanding of their perspective
- Ask for specific examples or elaboration on feedback that is unclear or confusing
- Seek guidance on how to implement suggestions or address identified weaknesses
- Demonstrate your receptiveness to feedback by actively seeking to understand and apply it
Separating feedback from personal feelings
- Recognize that feedback on your writing is not a judgment of your worth as a person
- Maintain a healthy emotional distance from your work to process feedback objectively
- Acknowledge and process any emotional reactions to feedback separately from your intellectual engagement with it
- Focus on the insights and opportunities for growth provided by feedback, rather than dwelling on perceived criticism
Implementing valuable suggestions
- Carefully consider the merits of each piece of feedback you receive
- Prioritize implementing suggestions that align with your goals and vision for the work
- Experiment with new approaches or techniques suggested by feedback to expand your skills and creativity
- Incorporate feedback into your revisions thoughtfully and selectively, maintaining your unique voice and style
Feedback in the writing process
- Feedback is an integral part of the iterative process of writing and revision
- Seeking and incorporating feedback at different stages of the writing process serves distinct purposes
- Strategically timing and prioritizing feedback helps writers maintain momentum and focus on their goals
Seeking feedback at different stages
- Solicit feedback during the ideation and outlining phase to refine your concepts and structure
- Share early drafts to gauge reader reactions and identify areas for development
- Seek targeted feedback on specific elements (character arcs, plot twists) as you refine your work
- Obtain comprehensive feedback on polished drafts to fine-tune and finalize your writing
Incorporating feedback in revisions
- Approach revisions as an opportunity to strengthen your writing based on insights gained from feedback
- Prioritize feedback that addresses fundamental issues (plot holes, inconsistent characterization) before focusing on minor details
- Experiment with different revision strategies based on feedback (rewriting scenes, cutting characters, adjusting pacing)
- Maintain a flexible, iterative mindset as you incorporate feedback, recognizing that revisions are a natural part of the writing process
Prioritizing feedback based on relevance
- Evaluate feedback based on its alignment with your goals, target audience, and creative vision
- Prioritize feedback from trusted sources who understand your work and objectives
- Focus on feedback that addresses the most critical aspects of your writing (story structure, character development)
- Set aside feedback that is not constructive, relevant, or actionable, trusting your instincts as a writer
Feedback sources
- Writers can seek feedback from a variety of sources, each offering unique perspectives and expertise
- Diverse feedback sources provide a well-rounded assessment of the writing's strengths and areas for improvement
- Cultivating a network of trusted feedback providers is essential for long-term growth and success
Peer review and workshops
- Engage in sessions with fellow writers to exchange constructive feedback and support
- Participate in writing workshops to receive structured feedback and guidance from experienced writers and instructors
- Seek out writing groups or communities that offer opportunities for collaboration and critique
- Provide feedback to your peers to deepen your understanding of the critique process and build relationships
Instructor comments and grades
- Carefully review and engage with feedback provided by writing instructors and professors
- Seek clarification or additional guidance on instructor feedback to maximize its impact on your growth
- Utilize instructor office hours or appointments to discuss your writing and receive personalized feedback
- Incorporate instructor feedback into your revisions and future writing projects to demonstrate your commitment to improvement
Professional script consultations
- Consider investing in professional script consultations to receive expert feedback on your work
- Research and select reputable script consultants with experience in your genre or medium
- Prepare specific questions and goals for the consultation to maximize the value of the feedback
- Incorporate professional feedback into your revisions and writing process, leveraging the consultant's expertise to elevate your work
Dealing with conflicting feedback
- Receiving conflicting feedback from different sources is a common challenge for writers
- Navigating contradictory opinions and suggestions requires careful evaluation and self-reflection
- Developing strategies for processing and resolving conflicting feedback is essential for maintaining focus and progress
Evaluating feedback validity
- Consider the credibility and expertise of each feedback source when weighing conflicting opinions
- Assess the relevance and applicability of each piece of feedback to your specific goals and vision
- Examine the evidence and reasoning behind conflicting suggestions to determine their merit
- Seek additional feedback or opinions to help clarify and resolve contradictions
Trusting your creative instincts
- Recognize that conflicting feedback often reflects subjective preferences and interpretations
- Trust your creative intuition and vision when navigating contradictory suggestions
- Consider how each piece of feedback aligns with your authentic voice and storytelling style
- Make informed decisions about which feedback to incorporate based on your deep understanding of your work
Seeking additional opinions
- Solicit feedback from a diverse range of sources to obtain a more comprehensive assessment of your writing
- Engage in discussions with trusted mentors, peers, or professionals to gain new perspectives on conflicting feedback
- Seek out readers or reviewers who are representative of your target audience to gauge their reactions and preferences
- Synthesize feedback from multiple sources to identify consistent patterns and insights
Long-term benefits of feedback
- Engaging with feedback consistently over time yields significant benefits for writers' personal and professional growth
- Embracing feedback as a lifelong learning process is essential for continued development and success
- Recognizing the long-term advantages of feedback helps writers maintain motivation and perspective
Developing a thick skin
- Regularly exposing your work to critique helps build and emotional fortitude
- Learn to separate your personal identity from your writing to process feedback objectively
- Embrace the discomfort of receiving criticism as a necessary part of growth and development
- Cultivate a sense of humor and perspective when encountering challenging or negative feedback
Continuously refining your craft
- Incorporate insights gained from feedback into your ongoing writing practice and projects
- Experiment with new techniques, styles, and approaches suggested by feedback to expand your skills
- Seek out feedback opportunities consistently to maintain momentum and progress in your writing development
- Reflect on your growth as a writer over time, recognizing the cumulative impact of feedback on your craft
Building a support network
- Foster relationships with peers, mentors, and professionals who provide valuable feedback and support
- Engage in reciprocal feedback exchanges to build trust and collaboration within your writing community
- Seek out opportunities to connect with other writers and industry professionals through workshops, conferences, and online platforms
- Cultivate a network of champions who believe in your work and offer ongoing encouragement and guidance
Key Terms to Review (22)
Active listening: Active listening is the process of fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said in a conversation. This technique goes beyond just hearing the words; it involves engaging with the speaker to show empathy and ensure clarity. By practicing active listening, individuals foster better communication, which is essential when giving or receiving feedback and building professional relationships.
Assessment rubrics: Assessment rubrics are tools that outline specific criteria and standards used to evaluate student performance or work. They help provide clear expectations for assignments and facilitate constructive feedback, promoting a better understanding of how to achieve desired outcomes.
Beta reader: A beta reader is a person who reads a manuscript before it is published to provide feedback on the content, structure, and overall effectiveness of the work. They play a crucial role in the writing process, helping authors identify areas for improvement and ensuring that the final product resonates with the intended audience. By offering constructive criticism, beta readers help writers refine their work and enhance its quality.
Clarity: Clarity refers to the quality of being easily understood, free from ambiguity, and clear in expression. In writing, clarity ensures that the audience can easily grasp the intended message without confusion. It’s essential for effective communication, as it fosters understanding and allows ideas to be conveyed precisely and without misunderstanding.
Constructive criticism: Constructive criticism is a feedback approach aimed at providing specific, actionable, and balanced insights to improve someone's work or performance. This type of feedback not only highlights areas needing improvement but also acknowledges strengths, fostering a positive and growth-oriented environment. By focusing on development rather than solely pointing out flaws, constructive criticism helps build confidence and encourages continuous learning.
Criteria for evaluation: Criteria for evaluation are the specific standards or benchmarks used to assess the quality and effectiveness of a piece of work, often providing a framework to guide feedback. These criteria help in identifying strengths and weaknesses, allowing for constructive criticism that can enhance the creative process. They ensure that feedback is objective, focused, and relevant, making it easier to understand how a work meets the desired goals or expectations.
Engaging dialogue: Engaging dialogue refers to conversations in film that capture the audience's attention through authenticity, wit, and emotional resonance. This type of dialogue often drives the narrative forward, reveals character motivations, and keeps viewers invested in the story. It creates a connection between characters and the audience, making scenes feel more dynamic and relatable.
Feedback Loop: A feedback loop is a process in which the outputs of a system are circled back and used as inputs, creating a cycle of continuous improvement or adjustment. This concept is vital in creative processes as it helps individuals refine their work based on responses from peers, audiences, or critics, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Engaging in feedback loops fosters collaboration and enhances the quality of the final product by allowing for iterative revisions based on constructive criticism.
Focused critique: A focused critique is a method of providing structured feedback that aims to evaluate specific aspects of a piece of work while being constructive and supportive. This approach helps creators understand their strengths and areas for improvement without overwhelming them with general comments. By concentrating on particular elements, such as character development, pacing, or dialogue, a focused critique fosters an environment where feedback can lead to meaningful revisions.
Growth mindset: A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and feedback. This concept emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges, learning from criticism, and viewing effort as a path to mastery, which can lead to greater resilience and achievement in various aspects of life.
Mentor: A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor who provides guidance, support, and encouragement to a less experienced person, often referred to as a mentee. This relationship can play a crucial role in personal and professional growth, particularly in creative fields like writing and filmmaking, where character development, feedback, and networking are essential for success.
Objective observations: Objective observations refer to the unbiased and factual assessment of a situation, action, or piece of work, without the influence of personal feelings or opinions. These observations are crucial in the context of giving and receiving feedback as they ensure that responses are grounded in what is actually presented rather than subjective interpretations. This allows for constructive criticism that can help improve a project or performance.
Open-mindedness: Open-mindedness is the willingness to consider new ideas, perspectives, and feedback without immediate judgment or bias. This trait is essential in fostering constructive discussions and improving collaborative efforts, as it encourages individuals to engage with differing viewpoints and enhances learning and creativity.
Peer review: Peer review is a process where a writer shares their work with others, usually fellow writers or knowledgeable individuals, to receive constructive feedback before finalizing it. This collaborative process enhances the quality of the writing by allowing different perspectives and insights to refine ideas, improve clarity, and elevate the overall narrative.
Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a behavioral concept where a desirable stimulus is presented following a behavior, increasing the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future. This technique is often used to encourage desired actions and responses, making it an essential part of effective feedback mechanisms. By acknowledging and rewarding constructive behaviors, positive reinforcement fosters a supportive environment that promotes growth and development.
Resilience: Resilience refers to the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, adapt well in the face of adversity, and bounce back from setbacks. This quality is essential in various situations, particularly when dealing with challenges and obstacles that arise during creative processes, such as giving and receiving feedback, which can be a crucial part of growth and improvement.
Revision process: The revision process is a crucial stage in writing where authors critically assess and modify their work to improve clarity, coherence, and overall quality. This stage often involves re-evaluating content, structure, and style based on feedback received from peers or mentors, ensuring that the final piece resonates with its intended audience.
Script notes: Script notes are comments and suggestions made by readers, writers, or producers that aim to enhance the quality of a screenplay. These notes typically address various elements such as character development, dialogue, pacing, and plot structure. They play a crucial role in the rewriting process, helping writers refine their scripts based on feedback and insights from others.
Specificity: Specificity refers to the quality of being clear and detailed about particular elements in a work. This concept is essential for creating impactful writing and effective communication, as it enables writers to convey their ideas with precision and clarity, leading to better understanding and engagement from their audience.
Story feedback: Story feedback is the process of giving and receiving constructive criticism about a narrative, aiming to enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of a story. It involves sharing insights, opinions, and suggestions to help a writer identify strengths and weaknesses in their work, fostering growth and improvement through collaboration and open communication.
The sandwich method: The sandwich method is a technique for providing feedback that involves structuring comments in a way that starts and ends with positive reinforcement, while placing constructive criticism in the middle. This approach helps soften the impact of negative feedback, making it easier for the receiver to accept and act upon the suggestions. By framing criticism within positive remarks, this method fosters a supportive environment that encourages growth and improvement.
Vulnerability: Vulnerability refers to the state of being open to emotional harm or criticism, particularly in the context of sharing one's thoughts, ideas, and creative work with others. It plays a crucial role in the processes of giving and receiving feedback, as it allows individuals to express their genuine selves and seek constructive responses while also being exposed to potential rejection or critique.