Have you ever received painful feedback?
I have.
“Your voice is flat. Everyone is falling asleep.”
OUCH. 😵
The feedback of my manager feels like a punch in my stomach.
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This was 5 years ago, right after I gave a presentation.
Could my manager have delivered the message in a nicer way?
Of course.
But did the message have impact?
Absolutely.
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I struggled, but I tried to stay curious. What if my manager is right?
I started researching on YouTube.
"Monotone voice."
"How to improve intontation."
"Keeping the attention of the audience."
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In the months after, I put my new knowledge into practice.
Whether in a business presentation, a catch up with a friend, or a phone call with my mom.
Slowly, the practice became a habit.
I'm still far from perfect.
But apparently I am much better at keeping people from falling asleep.
People told me: “Your voice sounds engaging and convincing.”
How different from 5 years ago.
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The moment I received the feedback was painful.
But I’m thankful for my manager’s honesty.
And I’m glad I listened.
The words were a much needed wake-up call.