Constructive criticism works best when it’s clear, specific, and delivered in a supportive way. Start by highlighting what the person did well, so they feel acknowledged before discussing areas for improvement. For example, “I really liked how you explained your ideas here.” When pointing out areas to work on, focus on the actions, not the person. Instead of saying, “You’re not organized,” you could say, “It might help to arrange your points in a clearer order.” Using “I” statements helps avoid sounding accusatory, like saying, “I think this part could use more clarity,” instead of “You didn’t explain this well.” Offering practical suggestions for improvement is key, such as, “Maybe try breaking this task down into smaller chunks.” Keep your tone positive and encouraging so the person doesn’t feel discouraged. Lastly, end by reaffirming their strengths and showing confidence in their ability to improve, like, “You’re on the right track, and with a little more focus here, I know you’ll do even better.” This kind of feedback helps people feel motivated to grow rather than defensive or discouraged.

Olivia Moustakis