On the 11th of November, just before the joyous Diwali festival, Toastmasters Singapore hosted a special workshop led by DTM Michael Wader, a seasoned Toastmaster and expert in leadership excellence, power walking, inspirational catalysis, and edutainment. The workshop, aptly titled "Weighing Your Feedback," delved into the art of providing constructive and effective feedback, aligning perfectly with the day's theme of "Triumph of Good over Evil."
As we gather today to reflect on the workshop, we
are reminded of the importance of balance in all aspects of life. In the realm
of communication, feedback plays a crucial role in helping us grow and develop.
However, not all feedback is created equal. Constructive feedback, delivered
with care and consideration, can be a powerful tool for personal and
professional improvement.
Michael Wader, renowned for his ability to educate
and entertain simultaneously, captivated the audience with his engaging
presentation, highlighting the importance of balancing positive and
constructive feedback. He emphasized the need to start with the positives,
using phrases like "I liked" to set a supportive tone. This positive
foundation allows for more impactful delivery of constructive feedback, which
should be specific, actionable, and delivered with empathy.
To illustrate his point, Michael introduced the
"Burger 1-2-3" approach, a simple yet effective framework for
delivering constructive feedback. The first bun represents the positive
aspects, acknowledging what the speaker did well. The burger itself comprises
two to three specific, actionable suggestions for improvement, and the second
bun serves as a summary, reiterating the key takeaways.
Throughout the workshop, Michael emphasized the importance of providing feedback with the intention of helping the recipient grow and develop. He reminded participants to avoid personal attacks or overly critical language, instead focusing on offering guidance and support.
Here are some key takeaways from the session:
- Address the Speaker's
Strengths First: Begin with positive feedback to establish a
supportive foundation.
- Be Specific and
Actionable: Provide concrete examples of what can be improved.
- Deliver Feedback with
Empathy: Consider the speaker's feelings and offer constructive
suggestions.
- Use the "Burger
1-2-3" Approach: Structure feedback in a clear and organized
manner.
- Focus on Growth and
Development: Provide feedback with the intention of helping the
speaker improve.
Michael Wader's workshop on "Weighing Your Feedback" provided valuable insights into the art of giving constructive feedback. By emphasizing positive reinforcement, specificity, empathy, and a structured approach, participants learned how to provide feedback that helps others grow and develop. The workshop also served as a reminder that feedback, when delivered thoughtfully and with the intention of helping, can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
Following the enlightening workshop, we were treated to a trio of prepared speeches that captivated and inspired us. Sandhya's speech, titled "Three Things Learned from My Daughter," was a poignant reminder of the power of courage, empathy, and patience in navigating life's challenges. She recounted the harrowing experience of her daughter's accident, highlighting how her daughter's resilience and unwavering spirit epitomized these virtues.
The second speaker Chloe, delivered a speech titled "How,
Now, and Wow," energized us with their fresh and creative perspectives on
turning setbacks into stepping stones. Her message resonated with the audience,
reminding us that failures are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth and
reinvention.
Constantine Koh's speech, titled "Embracing Networks,"
eloquently showcased the transformative power of networking in shaping
personal, professional, and social spheres. His experiences illustrated how
networking fosters connections, expands horizons, and opens doors to new
possibilities.
The table topics, skilfully guided by TTM Doreen, sparked lively
discussions that delved into profound life lessons. Each topic, ranging from
"We Rise by Lifting Others" to "What Do You Understand by
Kindness?" ignited thought-provoking conversations and encouraged the
audience to reflect on their own values and beliefs.
The speakers' insightful perspectives and confident delivery
captivated the audience, making for an engaging and enriching session. The
session concluded with a well-deserved recognition for Constantine Koh as the
best speaker for prepared speech and DTM Michael Wader as the best Table Topics
Speaker, and a heartwarming moment when all three prepared speech evaluators TM
Darrell Tan, Coach & TM Jason Thong, and our Godmother DTM Jenny Au were
awarded the best evaluator award, reflecting the equal merit of their
contributions.
Acting President Joseph Tan’s closing remarks brought the
session to a close, leaving us with a sense of fulfilment and renewed
motivation to continue our Toastmasters journey. As always, this session was a
testament to the transformative power of Toastmasters, fostering personal
growth, communication skills, and a deep sense of community.
Thank you, Michael Wader, for sharing your wisdom and inspiring
us to be better communicators and leaders. Thank you to all the speakers,
evaluators, and participants for making this session a truly memorable
experience.
Until we meet again, let us continue to hone our communication skills, embrace the power of networking, and always strive to embody the values of courage, empathy, and patience and many more qualities that will undoubtedly guide us towards success in all aspects of life.
Do stay tune for our next chapter meeting We welcome you to join us as guest.
Together We Shine!
Anchorvale CC Toastmasters Club
Written by Sandhya Rani Maruvada
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