Speaking: Functional Language C1 - Lesson 5: Critiquing & Evaluating Ideas Constructively
Welcome to our final lesson! A key skill of a C1-level communicator is the ability to move beyond simple agreement or disagreement to provide a detailed, analytical, and constructive1 critique2. This means evaluating an idea's strengths and weaknesses in a way that is helpful, respectful, and aimed at collective improvement. This skill is vital for leadership and collaborative innovation.
The "Strengths-Weaknesses-Suggestions" Framework
To deliver feedback effectively without discouraging the other person, use this balanced and professional structure. It is sometimes known as the "Feedback Sandwich."
A Framework for Constructive Critique:
- Step 1: Start with the Strengths (The Positive)
- Always begin by highlighting what you genuinely like about the idea. This shows respect and makes the other person receptive to your feedback.
- "First, I'd like to say that this is a very well-researched proposal."
- "The main strength of this approach is definitely its creativity."
- Step 2: Identify Areas for Improvement (The Critique)
- Frame the weakness as a "challenge" or "area for consideration." Use soft, indirect language.
- "My only reservation3 is about the timeline; it seems a little ambitious."
- "One potential challenge I foresee is the budget."
- Step 3: Offer a Constructive Suggestion (The Solution)
- This is the most important step. Don't just identify a problem; propose a potential solution. This shows you are a collaborative partner.
- "To mitigate that risk, perhaps we could..."
- "What if we were to strengthen that section by adding more data?"
Scenario: A Project Proposal Review
Listen to a senior manager, Mr. Dara, giving feedback to a junior colleague, Lina, on a new proposal. Notice how he uses the framework to be both critical and encouraging.
Lina: "Mr. Dara, do you have a moment to give me your feedback on my draft proposal?"
Dara: "Of course, Lina. I've read it. **First of all, I was particularly impressed by your market analysis.** It's thorough and very insightful. You've clearly identified our key competitors. (Strength)
Dara: "**The one area that I think requires a bit more thought is the marketing strategy section.** It feels a little underdeveloped compared to the rest of the document. (Weakness)
Dara: "**I would suggest** adding a more detailed breakdown of the proposed social media channels and the target audience for each one. That would make the proposal much more persuasive. (Suggestion) But overall, this is excellent work. A very strong foundation."
The Golden Rule: Critique the Idea, Not the Person
This is the most important principle for giving feedback, especially in a culture like Cambodia's where maintaining harmony and "saving face" are vital. Your language should always focus on the work itself, not the person who created it.
❌ Person-Focused (Bad):
- "**You** didn't include enough data."
- "**Your** conclusion is weak."
✅ Idea-Focused (Good):
- "**This section** could be strengthened with more data."
- "**The conclusion** could be made more impactful."
By focusing on the idea, you allow the person to accept the feedback without feeling personally attacked, leading to a much more productive and positive outcome.
Practice Quiz: Identify the Function
Read the statement and identify its function within the feedback framework.
"The logic of your argument is very sound. A potential area for enhancement, however, is in the supporting evidence for your second point."
A) This is only a negative critique.
B) This is only a positive comment.
C) This is a balanced critique, starting with a strength before identifying an area for improvement.
→ Answer: C. The speaker first praises the logic (strength) and then politely points out a weakness (evidence), which is the core of the S-W-S framework.
Which of the following is the most constructive suggestion?
A) "Your conclusion is boring."
B) "The conclusion needs more work."
C) "The conclusion is a good summary. To make it even more powerful, what if you ended with a rhetorical question for the audience?"
→ Answer: C. It follows the framework perfectly: it praises the existing work, identifies an area for improvement ("make it more powerful"), and offers a specific, actionable suggestion.
Your Mission: The "Constructive Critique" Role-Play
Your mission is to practice giving a balanced, constructive evaluation.
- Work with a partner. Person A will present a simple idea. Person B will provide the critique.
- Person A: Present an idea. For example: "My idea to improve our company's teamwork is to have a one-hour company lunch together every single day."
- Person B: Critique the idea. Your goal is to use the full Strengths-Weaknesses-Suggestions framework. Record yourself.
- Example Critique (Person B):
- (Strength) "Thank you for that idea. I think the core concept of improving teamwork is **vital**, and having regular social events is a great way to do that."
- (Weakness) "My only **reservation** is that an hour every day **might be** too much; it could disrupt deep work and people might have other lunch plans."
- (Suggestion) "**To build on your idea, what if we** implemented a special catered team lunch once a week, on Fridays? That would be a special event everyone could look forward to."
- Switch roles and try a different idea. This practice will build your skill and confidence in providing valuable, professional feedback.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Constructive: (Adjective) - ស្ថាបនា - Intended to have a useful or beneficial effect; aimed at improvement. ↩
- Critique: (Noun) - ការរិះគន់ - A detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a theory or a piece of work. ↩
- Reservation: (Noun) - ការកក់ទុក - A feeling of doubt or a qualification to an expression of agreement or approval. ↩
- To Evaluate: (Verb) - វាយតម្លៃ - To form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; to assess. ↩
- Feasible: (Adjective) - ដែលអាចធ្វើអ្នកអាចទៅបាន - Possible to do easily or conveniently. ↩