OVERRIDING PRINCIPLE # 1. 

We are looking to improve, not diminish the singer, and will use feedback language that meets that goal.

The more you can get a singer involved in her own improvement, the easier it is and the more it seems like a cooperative effort and not someone just being critical of her.  Consider how you would want to hear about a problem on your tape and phrase it that way. Courtesy in language use can go a long way.

OVERRIDING PRINCIPLE # 2.

Remember to focus on the performance and NOT the performer.

 Take care to use your words with tenderness and compassion, but enough firm information to accomplish the task.

LANGUAGE CHOICES:

• Don't use the words:  "But" or "However"

Instead use:  "Good job doing _______.  Now try focusing/paying attention to:_________"

• Other effective phrases that can be used to soften a problem area"

A.  "Even though it's hard to listen to your own tape, I think you will find you are very good at ___________ and there is/are only one/two spots that can be improved.  Please listen to you tape and see if you can hear what I heard."

B. "Help me figure this out…something does not sound right and I think it is _______.  What do you think is wrong?"

C. "I would really like to help you with this tape.  I think there are several areas that are really hard and as a section we have problems.  Would you help me fix this?"

• For consistency, consider using the following terms for tapes of differing quality:

EXCELLENT TAPE:

Outstanding                               Extraordinary                Best                             Extremely

Impressive                                Exceptional                   Role Model                   Always

Highest                                     Consistently                  Excellent                       Superior

Exceedingly                              Enthusiastic                   Strong                           Accurate

Confident                                  Diligent                        Exciting                         Optimal

Polished                                    Persuasive                    Commitment                 Sincere                                                

GOOD TAPE:

Solid                                         Well                             Valued                          Good

Capable                                    Frequently                     Effective                       Willingly

Skillful                                      Nice                             Exhibit                          Often

Complete                                  Proficient                      Substantial                    Skilled

Routinely                                  Dependable                   Distinctive                     Improve

Energetic                                  Knowledgeable             Reliable                        Evident                                                                                    

OK TAPE:

Satisfactory                               Adequate                      Acceptable                   Reinforce

Approximately                           Fair                              Basic                            Focus

Properly                                    Expected                       Generally                      Maintain

Sufficient                                  Persevering                   Steady                          Concentrate

Anticipate                                 Demonstrate                 Apply                           Glimpses

Inconsistent                               Occasional                    Fleeting                       Consider

UNSATISFACTORY TAPE:

Unsatisfactory                           Unacceptable                Ignores                         Strengthen

Inappropriate                             Insufficient                    Weak                           Seek

Unsuccessful                            Challenging                   Important                      Require

Unpredictable                            Progressive                   Productive                    Recognize

Unusual                                    Aspire                          Ensure                          Overcome

Encourage                                Assist                           Frequent                       Basic

Lacking                                    Energy                          Insecure                       Suggest

Support                                     Seldom                         Sometimes                    Strive