Understanding your coaching scores — Guide

Each comment is scored 1-5 on four dimensions. These aren't grades — they're a compass. They tell you where a comment is strong and where it could use one more look.

Clarity

Can someone follow your point after hearing it once?

1-2 Main idea is hard to identify

3 Point is clear but could be sharpened

4-5 Crystal clear — lands on first hearing

Tip: If you can't say your main point in one sentence, you may have two comments.

Conciseness

Does every word earn its place?

1-2 Significantly over or under the time target

3 Some filler but the point comes through

4-5 Every sentence advances the point

Tip: Read it aloud. Cut any sentence you'd skip if reading to a friend.

Depth

Does your comment add something beyond the obvious?

1-2 Restates the source material

3 Adds a personal angle or example

4-5 Brings insight others haven't considered

Tip: The best depth comes from your own experience, not from research.

Relevance

Does it connect to what's being discussed?

1-2 Off-topic or only loosely connected

3 Related but could be tighter

4-5 Directly addresses the question or point

Tip: Before writing, identify the specific question being asked.

Before and after

Here's what coaching looks like in practice. Same paragraph, same person — one round of feedback in between.

Before

"I think this paragraph is really interesting and it made me think about how we should all try harder to show love."

Clarity 2 Conciseness 3 Depth 1 Relevance 2

After

"The phrase 'love in action' stood out to me because last week a neighbor needed help moving, and I almost said no — but this principle pushed me to show up. It changed the whole dynamic between us."

Clarity 4 Conciseness 4 Depth 4 Relevance 4

The second version isn't longer or more eloquent — it's more specific. It names a real moment, a real decision, and a real outcome. That's what depth looks like. And it's something only you can provide.

Scoring shifts by context

Study Group: Depth + Relevance weighted higher. Sincerity matters most.

Language Practice: Adds Grammar, Vocabulary, and Natural Phrasing scores.

Standup: Conciseness weighted highest. Cut the filler.

Seminar: Depth weighted highest. Show analytical thinking.

Presentation: Clarity + Conciseness weighted. Every word must land.

Your Voice Matters Your First Comment