Actually you do look fat in that dress

I was lucky enough to present in front of a professional group that contained two of my friends. Before we went I asked them to look for anything, and I mean anything, that was distracting unclear or could have been done better. Afterwards they both sent emails full of praise but also with some suggestions on improvements. I am lucky to have that feedback.

If you have someone you know in the audience make it clear that you want feedback and give them explicit permission to criticize your performance. An honest critique is a gift...but unless you make it clear that you want to hear the good...and the bad too often no one dares  tell you that you look fat in that dress.