Rethinking “Feedback”—Here’s the Word I Landed On

Last week, I asked my community for help with a word that seems to send shivers down my students’ spines: feedback. As I prep to teach Public Speaking again this fall at Georgia Southern University, I’ve noticed that just saying the word can trigger anxiety. So, I put the question out there: Do you have a better word than feedback?

And wow, did you deliver.

From emails to Facebook and LinkedIn, the responses were thoughtful, creative, and honestly—way better than I was able to come up with on my own.

“Observations” came up repeatedly, perhaps because it feels more objective and less personal. “Insights,” “thoughts,” and “perspectives” also made strong showings. Others leaned into more encouraging language like “growth opportunities,” “suggestions,” and even “glows and grows” (which, yes, sounds K–12, but hey—it works).

A few favorites leaned into coaching language—like “coaching notes,” “reflection,” or “areas to level up.” The idea is the same: Shift the language so it feels like support, not criticism.

After hearing all the great suggestions, the word I’ve landed on for now is OBSERVATIONS. Majority rules—and let’s be honest, it sounds a lot friendlier than, “Let me tell you what you did wrong.” Plus, it works whether you’re giving a helpful note or just pointing out someone left their mic on during a Zoom call.

One contributor reminded me that the best lessons often come from failure—not just success and that Michael Jordan put it perfectly in a 1997 Nike commercial:

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Now that’s the kind of perspective I want my students to walk away with.

If rebranding “feedback” helps students lean in instead of shutting down, I’m all in. Keep those ideas coming—and thank you to everyone who shared!

In case you’re a nerd and want to see the actual data, here you go:

Suggested Word or Phrase—Mentions

Observations—8

Thoughts—3

Suggestions—3

Insights—2

Perspectives—2

Comments—2

Reflections—2

Coaching Notes—2

Growth Points—2

Input—1

Review—1

Critique—1

Support—1

Response—1

Reaction—1

Recommendations—1

Alternate Directions—1

Tips—1

Growth Opportunities—1

Glows and Grows—1

Areas for Continued Growth—1

How to Up Your Game for Next Time—1

Notes—1

Constructive Observation—1

Coaching—1

Growth Potential—1

Impressions—1