Giving Feedback, Mix Notes, Production Notes, basically giving your thoughts on someone’s creative outlet, is something that happens often, but need to be given in the right way. Well delivered thoughts, feedback or notes can go a long way to improve the project, and achieve the best outcome result, but can get there faster and strengthen the working relationship between those involved at the same time. In this episode I discuss how best to deliver that feedback to achieve the best results, and why it’s so important.

I describe the best delivery method as the “compliment sandwich”. This is when you start off your message saying something you like, then follow it up with something you want changed or aren’t so keen on, then end off the whole message with another compliment or something you really liked about their work. It’s important to give the notes of what you want changed by also adding in what you like.

It’s not just about giving them notes on what you don’t like and what you’d like fixed and changed, but also about letting them know what you do like. On the receiving end, getting those notes is helpful to better understand what direction to take as adjustments are made.

You don’t want to just give criticism, you need to make sure it’s helpful and constructive. Don’t attack their choices and don’t give vague notes, explain what you are thinking, so they can best serve your vision. If it’s unhelpful feedback and notes, or doesn’t give a further direction of what you’re actually looking for, that will only serve to sour the working relationship, and ultimately not sure the project best.

At the end of the day, we all just want the best final outcome to our project, and this is a very easy way be a pleasure to work with and bring your creative vision to it’s full potential as well.