Speaking: Specific Purposes B2 - Lesson 5: Giving & Receiving Constructive Feedback
Welcome to our final lesson! In any professional or academic environment, giving and receiving feedback is essential for growth. Constructive feedback1 is not criticism; it is helpful advice intended to help someone improve. Mastering how to give feedback politely and receive it gracefully is a sign of true professionalism.
How to GIVE Constructive Feedback: The Sandwich Method
This is a very popular and effective technique for giving feedback in a way that is positive and easy to accept.
The "Sandwich" Framework:
- Step 1: The Top Slice (A Positive Comment)
- Start with a specific, genuine compliment about the person's work. This makes the person more receptive2 to your suggestions.
- "First of all, I was very impressed with your data analysis."
- Step 2: The "Meat" (The Suggestion for Improvement)
- Deliver the area for improvement using soft, objective language. Focus on the work, not the person.
- "One area that might be even stronger next time is the conclusion. Perhaps you could add a summary of the key findings."
- Step 3: The Bottom Slice (An Encouraging Comment)
- End on a positive and encouraging note to leave the person feeling motivated.
- "Overall, it's a very strong report and a great effort. Keep up the good work."
How to RECEIVE Feedback Gracefully
How you receive feedback is just as important as how you give it. Your goal is to listen, learn, and show professionalism.
- 1. Listen Without Interrupting: Let the person finish speaking completely. Control any defensive feelings and focus on understanding their perspective.
- 2. Ask Clarifying Questions: This shows you are engaged and want to understand fully.
"Thank you for that. Could you give me an example of what you mean?"
"So, to make sure I understand, you're suggesting I should focus more on X?" - 3. Thank Them for Their Time: Acknowledging their effort is a sign of maturity.
"I appreciate you taking the time to give me this feedback. It's very helpful."
"Okay, thank you. I'll take that on board3."
Scenario: A Performance Review
Listen to this conversation between a manager, Mr. Rithy, and his employee, Soriya. Notice how Mr. Rithy gives feedback using the Sandwich Method and how Soriya receives it professionally.
Mr. Rithy: "Soriya, thank you for submitting the project proposal. I've read it, and **I want to start by saying you did an excellent job** of outlining the project goals. The introduction is very clear and powerful."
Soriya: "Thank you, Mr. Rithy."
Mr. Rithy: "**One area I think we could strengthen is the budget section.** It's good, but it would be more persuasive if we added more specific details about how the costs were calculated. **For instance,** we could include quotes from suppliers."
Soriya: "I see."
Mr. Rithy: "**But overall, it's a fantastic start.** You have clearly put a lot of hard work into this. I'm looking forward to seeing the final version."
Soriya: "**Thank you for that feedback, it's very helpful. Could you clarify** if you'd like me to add quotes for all budget items, or just the major ones?"
Cultural Nuances: The Importance of "Saving Face"
In many cultures, including Cambodia, being direct with criticism can cause embarrassment or a "loss of face." The Sandwich Method is excellent because it is gentle and respectful. Remember these key points:
- Give feedback in private. Public criticism is seen as very disrespectful. Praise in public, correct in private.
- Be indirect and soft. Use phrases like "Perhaps we could consider..." or "I was just wondering if..." rather than "You should..." or "You need to..."
- Focus on the future. Instead of saying "You made a mistake," try "For the next project, a great way to improve would be..."
Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Phrase
Read the situation and choose the most appropriate phrase.
1. You need to tell your colleague that their part of the presentation was a bit confusing. What's the best way to start?
A) "I didn't understand your part of the presentation."
B) "Your slides were really well-designed. I was wondering if you could just clarify the main point on slide three for me?"
C) "You need to make your slides clearer."
→ Answer: B. It starts with a positive comment (the top of the sandwich) and phrases the criticism as a polite request for clarification.
2. Your manager has just given you some constructive feedback on your work. What is a professional way to respond?
A) "But I did my best."
B) "I disagree with you."
C) "Thank you for the feedback. I'll be sure to incorporate that next time."
→ Answer: C. It is polite, receptive, and shows that you have accepted the feedback professionally.
Your Mission: The Feedback Role-Play
Your mission is to practice both giving and receiving feedback in a safe environment.
- Work with a partner. One person will be the "Giver," the other will be the "Receiver."
- Choose a simple scenario. For example, the Giver can give feedback on a short paragraph the Receiver has written in English.
- The Giver: Use the full Sandwich Method (Positive - Improvement - Positive) to give your feedback.
- The Receiver: Your goal is to listen without interrupting, thank the Giver, and ask at least one clarifying question.
- Switch roles. This practice will build your confidence and skill in handling one of the most important aspects of professional communication.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Constructive Feedback: (Noun Phrase) - មតិស្ថាបនា - Helpful advice that is specific, issue-focused, and intended to help someone improve. ↩
- Receptive: (Adjective) - ដែលងាយទទួល - Willing to listen to and consider new ideas or suggestions. ↩
- To take on board: (Idiom) - ទទួលយកទៅពិចារណា - To fully consider and accept a new idea or piece of advice. ↩
- Critique: (Noun) - ការរិះគន់ - A detailed analysis or assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory. ↩
- To save face: (Idiom) - រក្សាមុខមាត់ - To avoid humiliation or to maintain one's dignity and respect. ↩