Creating listenable messages

A big part of productive feedback is to create constructive feedback messages that people can hear and easily digest.

Listenable messages are verbal messages that are tailored to be comprehended by the listener (Rubin, 1993). However, sometimes we create messages that are unnecessarily complex, which impedes comprehension.

It is important to adapt your message to help facilitate the listening process.

• Use shorter, actively worded sentences.
• Use I-Statements instead of You-Statements (“I want to show you…”).
• Use transitions and other markers that help a listener navigate your message. For example:
  • Time markers -“today”
  • Order indicators – “first, second, third”
  • Previews – “I have two things I’d like to say about that”
  • Reviews – “So, basically I feel like we should vacation at the lake instead of the beach because…”
• Use examples relevant to you and your listener’s actual experiences.

Renniger, L. (2020). The Way We Work: The Secret to Giving Great Feedback. TED series. Retrieved from  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtl5UrrgU8c