<p>Public speaking is one of the most vulnerable things a leader can do. You’re exposed, you’re being judged in real time, and the stakes feel high — which is why most speakers either avoid feedback altogether or settle for vague encouragement like, <em>“Great job!”</em> In this episode, Clay and Adam unpack why that’s a problem and how the right kind of feedback is the fastest path to becoming a better communicator.</p><p><br /></p><p>Clay opens with the classic Seinfeld line about people preferring to be <em>in the casket</em> rather than <em>giving the eulogy</em> — a reminder that speaking triggers deep vulnerability. Adam follows by naming the trap: if we don’t seek real feedback, we end up believing we crushed it when we may have simply survived it.</p><p><br /></p><p>The conversation explores three big ideas:</p><p><br /></p><ul><li><p><strong>Why speakers need feedback:</strong> You’re too close to your own message to see what the audience sees. Your last talk is your best teacher — but only if you know what to listen for.</p></li><li><p><strong>Why feedback feels so hard:</strong> Speaking ties into identity, vulnerability, fear of rework, and the awkwardness of unsolicited critiques.</p></li><li><p><strong>How to get better feedback:</strong> Ask better questions, ask multiple people, and use tools like recordings, surveys, and time-stamped comments to see what you missed.</p></li></ul><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The episode closes with one simple takeaway:</p><p><strong>Growth = vulnerability + curiosity.</strong></p><p>The quickest way to get better is to ask for the feedback <em>before</em> the feedback finds you.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Call to Action:</strong></p><p>Before your next talk, line up three people and ask,</p><p><em>“Will you give me honest feedback after I speak?”</em></p>