Page 20 - 2019 April
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ON THE PATH
(A Shameless Plug)
Feedbackers NEEDS
More Members
James Wantz, DTM
“Were you ready to give this speech today? that focuses on the intricacies of feedback, “Yes you are, let me help you
I don’t think you rehearsed enough before evaluation, and feedback (yes, I know I pat yourself on the back.”
you came to the meeting. In order to not repeated myself—you look in the Thesaurus “And after your evaluation, I
sound unprepared, you must rehearse.” for another word for feedback. . . and I shall return the favor.”
That was from an evaluation I gave needed a series of three words to make Okay, not really. But so many
years ago. The speaker agreed with me that my point sticky!) The repetition is valid. of us know each other so well that Feedbackers
they were not prepared. They had a big Feedbackers gives each speaker four we could evaluate each others
presentation coming up, and I gave them evaluations —whether they want them or speeches with our ears plugged wants YOU!
numerous pointers on how to improve the not! (That’s how we roll!) and probably get it about right.
speech. They loved my evaluation, took Four evaluations allows for a deeper We NEED new blood (uh, no,
plenty of notes, and talked with me after dive into the structure, content, physicality, we aren’t vampires. . . well, Cleon
the meeting. I was elated that I could be vocalizations, or humor of the speech. might be). We need to stir things up. Every
such a help! Speakers are also encouraged to ask for club needs new blood—the new members like to teach others, come to Feedbackers
However, there was a problem. There feedback in the specific areas they want. reinvigorate the club for the rest of the group. and help us learn! If you think focusing on
were two visitors and one new member in And yes, full disclosure, I am a member of New members bring energy, nerves, and feedback might make you so nervous you
the room. They never came back. Our VP Feedbackers. cupcakes! (Well, maybe not the cupcakes. have a breakdown—don’t fret, Feedbackers
of Membership contacted each of them and I am writing this article for two reasons: Not always.) I find I learn the most when I meets at St. Vincent Medical Center, so help
asked how they liked the meeting. They I believe in the power of feedback to make am helping a new member because they ask is close at hand!
were very complimentary about the club or break a club, and we need members! The questions and challenge the conventional Come visit us, come learn from us,
and enjoyed the visit. When pressed about fact that this article is being published in late wisdom with one word: “Why?” come teach us, but please come! Do I sound
coming back, they said, “I don’t think I could April would tend to make the second reason If you are worried that the feedback you desperate? I am. The VP of Membership
deal with an evaluation like what James gave. appear to be the most important. give isn’t as good as you want it to be, or that told me he was going to take away my
I’m just not ready.” Well, yes. It is. We need new blood in the you wish you knew other techniques besides birthday this year if we didn’t get more
So. . . my evaluation technique drove them club. We need people that want to learn how ‘the sandwich method’ to give evaluations, members. Please save my birthday - come
away. I forgot that I wasn’t only evaluating to give better evaluations. A recent meeting then Feedbackers is the fit for you. If you to Feedbackers!
the speaker, but I was speaking to everyone of ours went something like this: don’t have anything to do on the second
in the room. I realized I needed to be better “Oh, that was a wonderful evaluation!” Wednesday of each month, then Feedbackers
at feedback, so I joined Feedbackers. “Yes, it was, wasn’t it? I’ve been doing this is a great place to do something. If you are
Feedbackers is a monthly niche club for so long I’m abnormally good at it.” the world’s greatest evaluator and would
20 ONE COMMUNITY VOICES! | APRIL 2019 21
