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Chapter 5.4 Listenable Messages and Effective Feedback

Creating Listenable Messages

Explanation of Material: When speaking to anyone in life, it is important to remember that not everyone is at the same level as you, in terms of what they are able to communicate and understand. Adjusting our language in order to help our peers understand us is one of the fundamental building blocks for communication. Some ways in which we are able to create listenable messages are to speak in shorter sentences, use personal pronouns, and use real life examples in which the other party can relate to.

Professional Connection: In a profession in which I work with children, I need to be able to adapt to their language. I would not speak to them the same way in which I would speak to my colleagues or my boss. I have to create a message in which they are able to understand. This connects to the Georgian Court University mercy core value of justice as adapting your language is a from of equal treatment.

Giving Formal Feedback to Others

Formal feedback is a great way for us as a society to be able to make interpersonal connections. The way we both give and receive feedback can help strengthen bonds. An important factor of formal feedback is constructive criticism which is defined as  “comments that are specific and descriptive enough for the receiver to apply them for purpose and self improvement” (Communication). This definition helps those who are trying to give feedback with some pointers on where to start. One of the most important factors of formal feedback to others is to always be positive. Many times, when someone is asking for feedback they are looking for help; this does not mean tell them everything that they have done wrong. Instead, point out the things they excelled at and the things in which could use some improvement. Additionally, one must always be specific with giving feedback so the listener knows what exactly they need to do in order to better themselves. Finally, always remember to be realistic with setting goals for this person. If you know what they are capable of, help them reach that goal. This lesson reflects on the Georgian Court University mercy core value of respect, as in any situation you should respect others and the amount of effort they have put into their work.

I can connect this back to my life as I am an English major. Part of my major includes refining others ideas, papers, and overall topics for papers. Due to this, it is important that I remember to be positive and never degrade someones ideas. An example of this is to say something such as: “I really like this paper idea, I think you could take it one step further and add this quote to help your research”. This is a form of again, constructive criticism. Being positive and telling the person what they did well, and setting a realistic and specific goal for them.

Giving Formal Feedback to Yourself

Giving feedback to yourself is very similar to the way in which we approach feedback with others. All day long, as we process the situations we are in; we are giving ourselves feedback. Feedback for oneself is essential because it helps to build our self confidence. When you are able to reflect on what you have done, and take away lessons from it you will be able to build your self efficacy. However, in order to get to this stage you must again be positive. Part of giving yourself feedback is not to belittle yourself, but to remind yourself of what you did well on and what you could do better next time. For example if you get a poor grade on an essay but did it the night before, you can focus on the positives such as putting the effort into the essay while aiming to fix your time management for the next essay. As with feedback with others, it is also important to set small goals for yourself that you know you will be able to accomplish.

Everyone is able to connect to feedback on a personal level, as in our minds we are constantly judging ourselves. For me, this reaches me on every platform of my life. This can be within sports, academics, work, or my home life; I always assess my situation and determine the way I handled it. For example, I have many responsibilities at home and I always question if I am making the right choices for myself and my family. Part of the process of feedback is being able to see both the positive and negative sides of things and adapt to them. This will allow you to become a much better communicator as being able to right your wrongs can help create those interpersonal connections discussed before.