Count the ums, the ahs, and the hand movements.

technique — attributed to Cheryl Cecchetto

Cecchetto's feedback discipline is operationally specific. She counts the filler words. She notes the superfluous hand movements. She watches whether the speaker's body is engaged or absent. She encourages the speaker to look around the room and include everyone. The specificity matters. Generic feedback (you were great, you need more presence) does not change behavior. Counting specific instances does. The technique generalizes for any leader giving feedback on presentation, pitching, or facilitation. Specific is actionable; vague is forgettable.

For managers, coaches, and team leaders giving feedback on presentation skill. The technique is most useful when paired with the recorded-review practice above.

specific-feedback, speech-patterns, body-language, self-awareness