When Notes are Harsh or Unkind

There is a real art to delivering effective criticism. Not everyone who gives you notes will be able to do so elegantly, efficiently, or gracefully. In most cases, the person doesn’t intend to be cruel or mean-spirited; he or she simply doesn’t know how to be more effective. And some people think scathing wit makes them seem funny and intelligent.

How do you handle a critique that is exceptionally difficult or unnecessarily harsh? First, a deep breath. Look through your all notes and rewrite them for yourself. Put yourself in the producer or development executive’s place.  The goal is to improve the script. There are hidden nuggets in even the most poorly delivered critique. Look for whatever you can use.

Be Positive

It’s important to recognize and thank yourself for your hard work and dedication. Write a couple of complimentary sentences at the start of rewriting the notes. If you got no positive feedback, list what you think is working in the script. Some people who give notes believe that if something works it doesn’t merit comment. Make those positive notations for yourself.

Reframe all the comments and suggestions in the form of questions. Make these questions specific, direct, and non-judgmental. What are the underlying issues that seemed the most problematic in the script? List all questions and areas of concern in the order of their importance.

Respect the Itch

Look behind the comments and try to determine what problem or issue prompted the producer’s question. What’s the itch? What’s missing? What’s causing a bump in the road? Why does the person think that, for example, adding a dog might be useful?

Don’t tune out or dismiss any specific solution out-of-hand; instead, read carefully and probe for the underlying problem. The person is trying to tell you something deeper isn’t working. What is it? Try to grasp the bigger picture. What’s really at issue here? Dig deep and find the underlying concern.

Look at the critique as a powerful challenge to improve. End your rewritten notes with a positive statement and the belief you can rise to the challenge effectively. Dig in and make the most of this opportunity.