Bless, Address, Press
A Formative Response Protocol for Writing Groups
Source: National Writing Project
The story of what goes on in readers is what we need most as writers:
not evaluation of the quality of our writing or advice about how to fix it, but an accurate account of what our words did to readers….
When are they with us?
When are their minds wandering?
What are they thinking and feeling?
What do they hear us saying?
(Peter Elbow and Pat Belanoff, Sharing and Responding)
FOR THE WRITER
Let your readers/audience know:
- What’s the purpose of your piece?
- Who’s your intended audience?
- Do you want your piece BLESSED, ADDRESSED and/or PRESSED?
Carefully review your peers’ and mentor’s comments. Take good notes. You may find yourself resisting some of the observations and suggestions, but try to remain as open and objective as possible. You may need to think about the feedback you receive for a few hours, days… or even weeks.
Bless
If you want your piece blessed, you’re not ready to hear criticism yet (however constructive it might be). You want only to hear about what’s working, so far.
Address
If you have chosen the address option, what one problem or concern do you want your readers/audience to address? Be as specific as possible.
Press
You’re ready to hear constructive criticism and give the readers/audience the freedom to respond in any fashion. This, of course, can include Bless and Address as well.
FOR THE READERS/AUDIENCE
Some questions and guidelines to keep in mind when commenting on your peer’s work:
- Does the writer want the piece blessed, pressed, or addressed?
- Be honest but kind, even if the writer has asked you to press the piece.
- Whether the writer has chosen bless, address, or press, consider these questions: What did the writer do well? What did you like about the piece? What stuck with you (as strengths in the piece)?
With the address and press options, focus on how the writer could improve.
Responses can be shaped through questions and statements. Use “I statements” and be specific.
For example:
- “I like the metaphor in the first section. I expected to find more references to the metaphor elsewhere in the piece. Why did you choose not to refer to it again?”
- “What are you trying to say in this part? I got lost during the discussion of revision. I think you want us to understand the concept of revision, but only this brief section refers to the process.”
Listen to your own reading/audience voice. Notice where you say/think, “Ooh, that’s a beautiful phrase!” or, “What does she mean by this word?” or, “Who’s speaking now?” or, “I love this ending!” As you read/experience the piece, where do you frown, fidget, smile, or become absorbed? Use your insights to provide the writer with “a movie” of your thoughts, as Belanoff and Elbow call it.
Note: Responding to writing is not proofreading or line-editing. Writers may ask individuals in the group to act as editors for them, but such work should take place outside the et-shalom community.
