Public Speaking with Peter George QuickBites: How to Know If You Really Did a Great Job!
After you've delivered a presentation, don’t you love when people come up to you and say, "Great job!”? It feels good, doesn’t it? Well, I used to love it, too. But then, one evening, I gave a talk that I knew was far from my best, and still, people said, "Great job!" That got me thinking. Why are people telling me a talk was great even when I know it wasn't? The answer is a simple one. They are being polite. If you've spoken often enough, the same has probably happened to you. So, how can you tell the difference between a polite "Great job!" and a meaningful "Great job!"? Perhaps you can listen for the level of enthusiasm in people's voices as they give you this compliment. But there is a way that you can not only determine when the praise is sincere but also learn why your presentation resonated with them. When someone says, "Great job!" Awesome talk!" or anything else that indicates they liked and appreciated your efforts, respond with something like, "Thank you. I appreciate your kind words. What resonated with you most?" Or "What was your biggest takeaway?" Their answers will tell you everything you need to know.