The Do's and Do Not's of Feedback

I truly enjoyed all the comments my last article received and many of those comments are the main reason why I'm writing this article today. If you did not read my last article I hope that you will but to summarize it was regarding the positive aspects of negative feedback or, more to the point, constructive criticism.

Many agreed that while they liked hearing how wonderful their work is they do appreciate the honest truth found in constructive criticism. However, the point was also made that it is important that negative feedback be taken in context. This is a very valid point. Another valid point came from the perspective of how the feedback is given and that is what we are looking at today.

You see, the big difference between negative feedback and constructive criticism is this - constructive criticism helps in sharpening the skills and abilities of the person receiving it while ensuring that their drive and confidence stays at a good level. Negative feedback does the complete opposite. It can degrade the person, demoralize them and destroy their confidence. This may sound like an extreme example but look around and I bet you can find or know someone that gave up their dream because someone yanked the rug from underneath their feet.

I simply refuse to believe that any of us here, in this community, or anywhere else would want to be the person labeled or known for negative feedback. We are here to help our fellow writers and to do that properly we must understand and utilize constructive criticism. Yes, we support and motivate and that is not only a lot of fun but it brings joy to everyone. Unfortunately in the writing business we must also face the dark side. How do we give constructive criticism without crossing that line into the barren wasteland known as negative feedback? In short we need to be specific and polite.

I have to be honest, I've been asked to review a fair amount of books and provide feedback for multiple projects. I truly enjoy doing both. Don't get me wrong, at times it can be both taxing and difficult but it is worthwhile in my opinion. With that said, when I write my review or feedback I pretend I'm writing it to myself. I always keep in mind the questions - would I like to read this? How would I feel if someone sent this to me? These questions keep me in check. What else should we keep in mind?

I thought it would be fun to list a few examples of Do's and Do Not's when providing feedback. So, let's see what we have.

Do's:

• DO be specific with your feedback; be it something you like or dislike. For example - I like your description of the main character; however, it did distract from the flow of the story.
• DO provide examples from the text. This will assist the writer in knowing exactly what it is you're talking about and they can go right to it.
• DO be polite. Thank them for asking you to provide feedback. They are already nervous because you are reading their work which they spent countless hours on.
• DO provide feedback. If you agree to read their work and give feedback it is imperative that you do. No one likes to wait on something that never arrives.
• DO try to point out an even number. If you observe four things that the author needs to work on make the effort to point out four things that the author did well. This will present a level field in which the writer will not think you are inflating confidence or trashing their work.
• DO keep the feedback you provide private. If the writer decides to share it with others that is alright but you've done your job.
• DO be honest at all times with your feedback.

Do Not's:

• DO NOT give general statements. They tend to leave the writer feeling like you really didn't read their work or took the time to think about it. This pretty much leaves the writer right where they started...with nothing.
• DO NOT use abusive, degrading or hurtful words to explain why you feel the way you do about something.
• DO NOT make comments about the writer as a person or refer to their skills. For example - I may have liked your story if you managed to correct some of these grammatical errors. Do you mind if I send this to my friend? She is a twelve grade English teacher and I think this would be a helpful tool to teach her kids on what not to do.
• DO NOT allow your voice to say providing feedback was an aggravation or a bother to you (even if it was). Remember, you agreed to read it and provide feedback. 
• DO NOT and I mean DO NOT use profanity in your feedback. The best kind of feedback is the sort that is presented in a professional manner.
• DO NOT be too flowery or apologetic with your feedback. The writer should not question whether your feedback is honest, solid information. Actually, the straight forward approach is probably the best in this regard.

I think you can see from these tips and examples what will help and what will hurt regarding feedback. Some of these I'm sure you know while others are common sense but you would be surprised at the number of times the 'Do Not's' show up in feedback.

Did you notice any of these in your feedback (given or received)? What other tips would you include in these?