Reader 13
The Challenge of Giving Honest Feedback
Honest feedback can help people improve, but it can be difficult to give well. If feedback is too soft, the person may not understand what needs to change. If it is too harsh, the person may feel discouraged or defensive. The challenge is to be clear without being careless. Good feedback focuses on the work, behavior, or decision instead of attacking the person. It explains what was strong, what needs attention, and why the change matters.
The way feedback is given can affect whether the person accepts it. A calm tone, specific examples, and respectful language make feedback easier to hear. Instead of saying, “This is wrong,” a person might say, “This part is unclear because the reader may not know who the sentence refers to.” The second response gives useful information and a reason. Honest feedback does not need to be unkind. In fact, the most helpful feedback is often both direct and respectful.
SPEAK
Why is honest feedback difficult to give well?
What can happen if feedback is too soft?
What can happen if feedback is too harsh?
What does good feedback focus on?
Why is the second example in the article more useful?
WRITE
Write 5–7 sentences about what makes feedback helpful. Include one example of feedback that is too harsh and one example that is more useful. Use the sentence prompts.
Feedback is helpful when…
When feedback is too harsh…
When feedback is helpful…
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond.
What did the speaker say?
How do you respond to the speaker’s opinion?
Use the reading to support your response.
