THE TAKEAWAY TEST
Andrea Pacini —
Pixar is known for its storytelling, but what sets the studio apart is how it gives feedback.
During the making of Inside Out, early versions of the film didn’t land well with internal reviewers.
But instead of asking, “Did you like it?”, the team asked better questions:
“What didn’t feel true?”
“Where did you disconnect?”
“What are you taking away from this scene?”
Those questions led to rewrites that shaped the emotional depth of the final film.
After a presentation, you might ask for feedback – and hear:
“It was good.”
“You did fine.”
“Nice job.”
That sounds reassuring, but it doesn’t help you improve.
Try asking this instead:
“What message did you take away from my presentation?”
It tells you what landed – and whether your core message got through.
If the takeaway isn’t what you intended, you’ve just learned something valuable.
Better questions lead to better feedback.
Don’t ask to be reassured.
Ask to learn.
This reflection is adapted from Timeless Presenter, my book on the principles of communication that never expire.