Whether it is your opponent, your friend, your buddy, your teacher, your boss, your partner, your child, someone you meet, or even some invisible webmaster behind the screen, an internet site that is inviting you to comment; giving feedback is of key importance. In fact, giving feedback will become more and more important in the growing internet (information) business. From a technical viewpoint, feedback is about directing a conversation or communication. Compare this with the steering of a heating system where you turn the thermostat left if you want less warmth. In a discussion you can slow down a flow of arguments if you think that the group needs to align. We all know the example where it is not sufficient to ask - after a presentation has been given did all of you understand? Of course there are enough reasons not to give feedback. Not to a teacher because, it will lead to a retribution. Neither to a manager because, he will not change anyway! But for those who always look for a - whats in it for me, will find enough value in giving feedback; try to look at it in this way; We are over exposed to information. Where the stereo sound has been invented for years, the monologues in discussions are growing. Not in the last place because of growing one-way or at least indirect communication media like television and the internet. In day to day conversations however you need the feedback mechanism and this is the idea if you practice the activity of providing feedback you will improve you communication skills. Just check after you have read a book, whether you will be able to tell a friend in one sentence what (you think) the book is about. The same happens after having watched a movie, or interacting with the internet; feedback enhances the communication by adding depth to it. Reading a book is one, interpreting the book is of another level. Listening to someones story is one, providing feedback is like entering a next level in a computer game. If you think that communication is important and that it is a skill you will never fully dominate, than use the feedback opportunities to increase this skill. Choose those opportunities that best fit your situation. 2006 Hans Bool |
