Wednesday night I show up at Don's office for my first round of training at around 8pm. 4 hours later I emerge. That was 4 hours of great, amazing, "constructive" criticism.

Thursday, I start rehearsing at 9am. At 1pm I meet with one of the lead program managers - 60 minutes of more "constructive" criticism. 2:30pm, I meet with the PDC speach coach. I told him that I wanted to rehearse my keynote demo instead of my session. 90 minutes of constructive feedback.

Friday, rehearse in my office for a while. Couple of meetings and other distractions. Don swings over for a video taping that we are doing. I try, unsuccessfully to say my pitch. I still need more rehearsal.

I love constructive feedback. "You did good" doesn't really help that much, except to make you feel better. Feedback like "slow down" or "punch your words more" help... positive feedback like "your energy and volume was good" also help... more than anything though, constructive criticism is what I crave. Of course several days straight of that can be a bit challenging to one's ego... but you know what - if this was easy it wouldn't be any fun!

I am going to succeed at this. I have 20 hours of practice budgeted for next week. Being a good presenter is really hard work. After the keynotes, you will have to say if I succeeded or not...