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.
Find out how a sandwich can inspire you to give effective feedback in English.
Lesson by Annemarie
Now for a couple of challenge questions!
- 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?
- 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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English is not my mother language, but I perfectly understood every word and meaning in the YouTube video above, just awesome.
That’s great, Sebastian! I’m glad to hear it.
Hi Annmarie: I was given similar advice when I had to do performance reviews for the first time. My manager told me to avoid “you” statements as much as possible, start by mentioning what they do well, and then bring up how they could be “even better” by improving this or that. So for example, this: “You overly rely on email and text messages when you communicate. You should augment this with some face to face discussions and meetings.” Might become: “You are articulate and intelligent, but I’ve noticed an over-reliance on email and text messages. You would be even… Read more »
Your teaching is awesome👌… very useful topic
Awesome! I’m so glad it was helpful, Shrisari.
Great video, Annemarie! Just one small note: There is a typo in the screen text at the 10:00 mark. Instead of “glat”, I’m sure you meant to write “glad”. Keep up the good work.
Hi Erin,
Thank you so much!! I’ve fixed that mistake. I appreciate it.
Thank you so much dear Ms. Annemarie, it was a constructive lecture ever.
You’re very welcome, Waheed. I’m glad it was helpful.