Direct and Indirect Feedback

Before we discuss how to give and receive feedback we shall differentiate between direct and indirect feedback.

Direct feedback is the purposeful effort of putting verbal and non-verbal symbols together and sending them to the listener to create a certain meaning and understanding.
Often you are on the receiving end of direct feedback. Even if you are on the receiving end you should still strive for common understanding in the way you will decode the message. Always remember, common understanding is both the listener and speaker’s responsibility. Occasionally you need to change your role from listener to speaker and vice versa.

Indirect feedback is the non-verbal message which is conveyed by your attitude and body language and which supports or contradicts the verbal message. If we are sensitive, we can pick up a great deal of indirect feedback during communication through observation.

If we, however, rely only on indirect feedback, we may misinterpret what we observe. Maybe someone with a glassy stare has a headache! We are much better off if we can get clarification by asking people directly for their reactions. Although people may fear saying exactly what they think and feel, even if it is somewhat negative, they tend to concentrate more on the conversation afterwards.

Click here to view a video on Giving and Receiving Feedback.