When we ask “let me know what you think about this”, the reviewer tells us what’s important to *them* or makes corrections because they don’t know what we need. Take control of the revision and review processes by asking for the feedback that produces a better piece and reduces cycles.
Here at The Word Factory, when we submit something for review, we frame our request with the 3 Big Questions.
Now, we might ask for other specific feedback, too (like "does the logic flow" or "is there too much jargon"), but no matter what, we want the answers to these questions. Why?
- What's good about it serves two purposes: 1) To help us learn what's working with our boss, our client, whoever, and 2) To prevent us from taking out or changing the successful aspects of our work.
- What would make it better encourages specific feedback like, "more quotes" or "fewer subheads" that serves the reader.
- What's missing gives the reviewer a chance to suggest additions we may not have thought of, potentially expanding the perspective and relevance
Click here to see examples of the 3 Big Questions in action.
The cool thing about these questions is you can use them to give more actionable feedback when someone tosses something over the transom for you to review.
Let's commit to asking for and giving better feedback!