What are the best ways to give honest feedback that shows respect for your client's feelings?

As a vocal coach, you want to help your clients improve their singing skills and achieve their musical goals. However, sometimes you may face the challenge of giving honest feedback that shows respect for your client's feelings. How can you avoid hurting their confidence or discouraging them from pursuing their passion? Here are some best ways to provide constructive feedback that balances honesty and empathy.

1 Use the sandwich method

The sandwich method is a popular technique for giving feedback that consists of three parts: praise, critique, and encouragement. Start by highlighting something positive about your client's performance, such as their tone, pitch, or expression. Then, point out one or two areas that need improvement, such as their breathing, posture, or pronunciation. Be specific and objective, and explain how they can work on those aspects. Finally, end with another compliment and a motivational statement, such as their potential, progress, or passion. This way, you can soften the impact of your criticism and boost your client's self-esteem.

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Kay Hargraves, MBA

Vice President Financial Crimes Analytics/Model Developer| City National Bank/RBC & Leadership Coach @Spelman College
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1. Start with a Positive Note: Begin your feedback by highlighting something positive. This sets a constructive tone and shows that your intentions are supportive, not critical. 2. Be Specific and Constructive: Clearly articulate the areas needing improvement, focusing on specific instances or examples rather than generalizations. Offer constructive suggestions on how they can address these issues. 3. Use "I" Statements: Frame your feedback from your perspective to avoid sounding accusatory. For example, "I noticed..." or "I feel that..." 4. Focus on the Situation, Not the Person: 5. Encourage Dialogue: Feedback should be a two-way conversation. 6. End on a Positive Note

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2 Ask for permission and feedback

Before you give your feedback, ask your client if they are ready and willing to receive it. This shows that you respect their autonomy and readiness, and that you are not imposing your opinions on them. You can also ask them what they think about their performance, and what they want to improve. This helps you understand their perspective and goals, and tailor your feedback accordingly. Moreover, you can invite them to give you feedback on your coaching style, and how you can better support them. This creates a two-way communication and a collaborative relationship.

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3 Use positive language and tone

The way you deliver your feedback can make a big difference in how your client perceives it. Avoid using harsh, negative, or judgmental words that can hurt your client's feelings or damage your rapport. Instead, use positive, constructive, and supportive language that focuses on the solution, not the problem. For example, instead of saying "You are singing off-key", say "You can improve your intonation by doing this exercise". Also, pay attention to your tone of voice, facial expression, and body language. Use a friendly, calm, and respectful tone that conveys your sincerity and empathy.

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Janice De Silva

Musician. Embroidery Artist. Writer. Teacher.
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Telling a client something they are not likely to accept or like can be a daunting prospect. Kind words and encouragement can soften the blow and accomplish favorable repos where the client comes away knowing what they need and being willing to try something different, not feeling like a failure.

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4 Be realistic and specific

While you want to be positive and encouraging, you also want to be realistic and specific. Don't give false or exaggerated praise that can create unrealistic expectations or undermine your credibility. Instead, give honest and accurate feedback that reflects your client's strengths and weaknesses. Also, don't give vague or general feedback that can confuse or frustrate your client. Instead, give clear and concrete feedback that includes examples, explanations, and suggestions. For example, instead of saying "You need to work on your rhythm", say "You missed the beat in this measure, try tapping your foot along with the metronome".

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Eero Keski-Petäjä

Rakennusalan innokas generalisti | yrittäjä ihmisäänen parissa | tuleva tuta DI | Sarjainnostuja. Beatbox-showt, tapahtumajuonnot ja Vaikuta äänellä -valmennukset! 🕺 #eepzi
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This is just this simple. Realistic and specific. Client does not need anything else to improve. You can agree on the style beforehand. But no mattee how "easy" or "friendly" the client wants the feedback to be, you should be realistic and specific. You can also add sentenses like "i dont mean to harm, i am simpy being realistic and specific. Would you like me to continiue?"

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Billy Sy (he/him)

Actor, Singer, Voice & Speech Coach, Lecturer at HKAPA, Founder of 'SY Performative Arts’ (SYPA) - a company that creates performances and art events and provides voice & speech coaching IG: sy_performative_arts
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In most cases, students/clients want to know that they have done right and what they need to work on. As voice teachers, it is our observation and listening skills that we need to train. To be able to give specific feedbacks, ask what they were feeling and whether they noticed what was happening. Discuss if what you have heard and observed can work together with their vocal/body awareness feedback, or sometimes it is to do with the contents. Also, don’t try to please them (it’s different from encouragement though) because that might lead to ambiguity in our feedback. Focus on articulating our points clearly.

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5 Follow up and celebrate

After you give your feedback, don't leave your client hanging. Follow up with them and check their progress and understanding. Ask them if they have any questions, concerns, or feedback for you. Offer them additional resources, tips, or exercises that can help them improve. Also, celebrate their achievements and milestones, no matter how big or small. Recognize their efforts and improvements, and praise their persistence and passion. This way, you can show your client that you care about their success and happiness, and that you are there to support them along their journey.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best ways to give honest feedback that shows respect for your client's feelings?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use the sandwich method

2 Ask for permission and feedback

3 Use positive language and tone

4 Be realistic and specific

5 Follow up and celebrate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

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What are the best ways to give honest feedback that shows respect for your client's feelings?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use the sandwich method

2 Ask for permission and feedback

3 Use positive language and tone

4 Be realistic and specific

5 Follow up and celebrate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

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