Giving and Receiving Feedback

Giving and receiving feedback is a crucial part of writing. Before you can give feedback, you need to know how to read a poem. Always read a poem more than once. A good poem always needs two or more readings to understand the full meaning and to grasp the artistry of the poem. You should also keep a dictionary and/or thesaurus at hand. There are many free ones that can be downloaded to your device or computer. You can also find them on the Internet with a simple Google search.

When reading a poem, always pay attention to what the poem is saying. On my first reading, I always determine the subject and verb, grasping the overall meaning and message being said.

During my second reading of the poem, I read it as though I can hear each word in my mind. After all, poetry is written to be heard. There is much meaning in the sound of a poem, not just the words written on a page so read the poem slowly, annunciating each syllable.  

Practice reading poetry aloud. When you find a poem you really enjoy, read it to your friends and family. Do not just read the poem - read the poem with emotion. Express the poem the way it was meant to be read. Try to avoid reading it in a sing-song fashion and do not exaggerate the rhyme and meter. The more you practice reading a poem, the better you will become.

When you give feedback about someone’s writing, you want to give it the attention you would want with your own work. Read the poem more than once and look for specific aspects of the poem to comment on. For example, look at the idea, the language used, and the organization of the poem. If you see areas that need revision, then suggest where there is a need for a rewrite. Be specific and avoid giving vague comments like “this is good.” If it’s good, tell them why it is good and what you liked about it. Try to end with a positive comment and always structure your suggestions in a positive way. Above all, be courteous and respectful.

Receiving feedback can sometimes be traumatic, but it does not have to be. Try to be open to suggestions. Listen and do not take suggestions personally. You will be surprised at the inspiration that can come when you are open to new ideas.