How to Give Feedback & Criticism in English (and Avoid Negative Responses)

Several weeks ago, I shared a lesson on How to Give Bad News in English. We focused on the language you need to politely give bad news to someone. This could be telling your best friend you can’t come to her birthday party or telling your boss that your project is over budget.

In the comments of that lesson, I had a fantastic question from a Confident English reader. This person said, “I struggle with giving poor job performance evaluations. I took your advice listed here in giving bad news… I am also interested in how to give direction or advice in a professional way with person or persons who are very negative with receiving information of any kind from you.”

That’s a great question! And this is why I love it when you share your comments in the lesson.

My answer is useful not only for job performance evaluations or feedback, but it’s also the right way to offer feedback or criticism to a friend, a co-worker, or a family member.

In today’s video lesson, I share with you the sandwich method for offering criticism or feedback with a clear example and common sentence starters to help you be ready in English.

Don’t forget to check out my challenge questions for you after you watch the video.

Now for a couple of challenge questions! 

1. I’d love to know, have you ever offered constructive criticism in English? If yes, what helped you provide effective feedback? Do you have a useful expression or method to use?
2. What is one thing you learned in today’s Confident English lesson that was interesting or helpful to you?

As always, the best place to share and get feedback is in the comments section below. And – if you use today’s sandwich method to help you – I’d love to know about it. Tell me your story in the comments.

Have a great Confident English Wednesday!

~ Annemarie

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