Open Forum

Hello everyone! I'm looking for inspiration, tips, hacks for incorporating more praise and positivity into my program, both classes and productions. Thank you in advance!

Accept only praise or suggestions - not criticism - when critiquing each others work. "I couldn't understand you " becomes "speak louder" or "work on your articulation", both more actionable than a complaint. 

1. We do weekly anonymous shoutouts on sticky notes. I read them aloud and leave them posted on the wall all week.
2. We use the Liz Lerman feedback method for critical response. So instead of suggestions, we use neutral questions, such as What was your thought process when making vocal choices about your character? In the next round of response, responders can say "I have an idea about X, would you like to hear it?" That's when the responder can give an actual suggestion, but only if the artist agrees that they want to hear it. Here's the whole process broken down by step: Critical Response Process | A Method for Giving and Getting Feedback
3. I also have some great activities about self-affirmation that I'm happy to share. I do them early in the year as part of creative risk-taking and mindfulness.