Student feedback sensitivity and the efficacy of feedback interventions in public speaking performance improvement

Abstract

Although feedback from teachers to students occupies a central role in learning and instruction, the manner in which feedback functions in performance improvement remains unclear. The current study examined how students' sensitivity to feedback and variations in the wording of feedback messages impacted public speaking performance. Results indicated that students high in feedback sensitivity exhibited preferred speaking behaviors when messages were worded in a manner that was less likely to be taken as a direct, personal criticism (low intensity). Students low in feedback sensitivity appeared to be less adversely impacted by high intensity messages. Overall, markedly different relations between student feedback sensitivity and speaking behaviors appeared for students exposed to high intensity feedback messages compared with students exposed to low feedback intensity.

Keywords:

• instructional feedback
• public speaking
• sensitivity

Notes

Camille D. Smith (MS, Texas Christian University, 2000) is a marketing representative for the Fort Worth Visitor's Bureau. Paul E. King (PhD, University of North Texas, 1985) is Professor of Communication Studies at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX. This manuscript was adapted from Ms. Smith's thesis, directed by Dr. King. A previous version of this manuscript was presented at the meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, April 3–7, 2002, Winston‐Salem, NC. Paul King can be contacted at [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Camille D. Smith

Camille D. Smith (MS, Texas Christian University, 2000) is a marketing representative for the Fort Worth Visitor's Bureau. Paul E. King (PhD, University of North Texas, 1985) is Professor of Communication Studies at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX. This manuscript was adapted from Ms. Smith's thesis, directed by Dr. King. A previous version of this manuscript was presented at the meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, April 3–7, 2002, Winston‐Salem, NC. Paul King can be contacted at [email protected]