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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Give constructive feedback clearly and respectfully at work.
2. Use natural professional language to address problems and offer solutions.
Exercise 1
Discussion
Talk with your teacher for 3 minutes. Try to keep the conversation going!
1. What’s the recent update in your workplace ?
2. What do you do to ensure you are on the same page?
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
actionable
Adjective
/ˈækʃənəbəl/
Meaning:
Clear and specific enough to take action on.
- Let’s make the feedback more actionable so the team knows what to do next.
room for improvement
idiom
/ruːm fər ɪmˈpruːvmənt/
Meaning:
Ways something could get better.
- The presentation was good, but there’s room for improvement on the slides.
point out
phrasal verb
/pɔɪnt aʊt/
Meaning:
To highlight or bring attention to something.
- I’d like to point out a small issue with formatting.
I’d like to suggest…
phrase
/aɪd laɪk tə səˈdʒɛst/
Meaning:
A polite way to offer feedback or recommendations.
- I’d like to suggest adding more real examples to the training.
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation: A manager gives constructive feedback after reviewing a team member’s project draft.
Thanks for sharing your draft, Sara. Overall, it's strong.
Mark
Thanks, Mark; let me know if there's anything I should adjust.
Sara
Sure. I’d like to point out a few areas with room for improvement.
Mark
Okay, I’m all ears.
Sara
The data section is solid, but the summary needs more actionable recommendations.
Mark
Got it. What would you suggest?
Sara
I’d like to suggest adding a short action plan at the end.
Mark
Perfect, I’ll update it today.
Sara
Exercise 1
Direction: Check comprehension of the conversation.
Options: actionable / point out / I’d like to suggest / room for improvement / constructive
1. Your ideas are great, but there’s __________ in how you explain the steps.
2. The feedback wasn’t __________, so I didn’t know what to fix.
3. __________ a few minor errors in the report.
4. __________ adding more visuals to support your data?
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
How to Give Constructive Feedback Professionally
Constructive feedback helps people grow while maintaining a positive working relationship. When giving feedback, start by acknowledging what was done well. This shows respect and builds trust. Next, point out specific areas that need improvement instead of making general criticisms.
Focus on behaviors or results, not personal traits. To be effective, suggestions should be actionable, meaning clear enough for the person to apply. Using phrases like “One suggestion is…” or “I noticed…” can make feedback sound supportive rather than harsh.
Always offer solutions or examples when possible. Finally, check understanding and invite a response to ensure it’s a two-way conversation. Giving feedback isn’t just about pointing out problems; it’s about helping others improve and succeed.
Exercise 2
Direction: Choose the correct answer
Options: suggest / constructive / actionable / room for improvement
1. The manager offered __________ steps to fix the issue.
2. I’d like to __________ a different approach for the introduction.
3. The design looks good, but there’s still __________.
4. She tried to make her feedback more __________ by giving examples.
Exercise 5
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you feel when giving feedback to coworkers?
2. What makes feedback sound respectful instead of rude?
3. Which expressions help soften criticism in English?
4. Should feedback always include praise? Why or why not?
5. What cultural differences have you seen in how people give feedback?
6. How do you respond when you disagree with feedback?
7. Is written feedback more effective than verbal feedback?
8. How can managers encourage a feedback-friendly culture?
