Template: Peer Feedback Draft

Usage: Send to 1-2 trusted peers BEFORE submitting the CFP or finalizing the script. Adapt with the actual talk information before sending.

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Version 1: DM / short message (Slack, LinkedIn)

Hi {firstname},

I'm preparing a talk for {event} ({date}).

Working title: "{title}"

The promise: {1 sentence on what the audience will take away}

Quick context: {2-3 sentences on the content — angle, key metrics, concrete examples}

Would you have 10 minutes this week to give feedback?
Mainly on: does the title hook / is the topic relevant for a {audience} audience?

Thanks

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Version 2: Email (for less accessible peers)

Subject: Feedback on talk "{title}" — {event}

Hi {firstname},

I'm preparing a {duration}-min talk for {event} ({date}), and I'd love your input before finalizing.

**Working title**: "{title}"

**What I'll cover**:
{3-5 bullets describing the content — concrete, not abstract}

**Audience**: {audience description}

**What I need**:
- Does the title hook?
- Does the topic feel relevant for this audience?
- Is there something obvious I'm missing?

No need for a long response — 5 sentences is enough.

Thanks,
{firstname}

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Version 3: Public validation (LinkedIn post or tweet)

I'm preparing a talk for {event}.

Topic: {angle in 1 direct sentence, no official title yet}

A few numbers to set the scene: {2-3 key metrics}

Simple question: would this topic resonate with you if you were in the room?

{optional: open question to spark comments}

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Pre-send Checklist

• [ ] The title is concrete (no jargon or abstraction)
• [ ] The promise is clear in 1 sentence
• [ ] Key metrics are mentioned (if REX)
• [ ] Target audience is specified
• [ ] The ask is specific (not "give me general feedback")
• [ ] Tone is direct, not apologetic ("it might perhaps be worth...")

What to look for in the feedback

1. First reaction: want to attend or not?
2. Title: clear? catchy? too technical?
3. Angle: original or already seen 10 times?
4. Audience fit: does it match the {audience} profile?
5. Gaps: something important that's missing?