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Writer's pictureGilbert Eijkelenboom

Painful Feedback, Satisfying Growth

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.



🔻

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.



🔻

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.

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