Losing sleep over feedback: why it’s a good sign
Public speaking can feel like walking a tightrope—one wrong step, and you might fall. As someone who presents frequently, I’ve felt the sting of negative feedback more than once. Even if 99% of the audience loves your talk, that 1% can keep you awake at night.
At a recent public speaking event, a presenter shared a profound insight: Negative feedback is a sign you’re doing something right. Why? Because if you’re truly passionate about your message, criticism will sting. But that pain means you’re pushing boundaries and making an impact.
Understanding Feedback
The Three Types of Audience Members
Cheerleaders who love what you say.
Neutrals who may not engage deeply but still listen.
Critics who question or challenge your approach.
What Critics Really Mean
Often, negative feedback isn’t about you—it’s about the critic’s preferences, biases, or unmet expectations. For instance, a speaker I coached was criticized for using too many visuals. But when we explored further, we realized the critic simply preferred text-heavy presentations.
How to Use Feedback Without Losing Yourself
Filter It
Not all feedback is valid. Look for patterns instead of reacting to one-off comments.Refine, Don’t Redefine
Use feedback to polish your delivery, but stay true to your core message.Celebrate the Impact
If you’re receiving criticism, it means people are engaging with your content.
The next time a comment sticks with you, remember: it’s proof that you care deeply about what you’re doing—and that’s a good thing.
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