How To Criticize And Still Be Nice

 Have you ever encountered an experience when someone told you how fat you've become? Maybe your boss has commented on how bad your work turned out to be. Perhaps you've heard from other folks how people view you as cold and unapproachable.

Hurts, doesn't it?

Believe it or not, some people can be so disrespectful that they are not even aware when they've hurt anyone's feelings. The receiving parties, especially the sensitive ones, would be offended by their remarks. This would result in conflicts and arguments.

You know you're doing them a big favor by saving them from shame or disappointment, but would they realize your good intentions instead of feeling hurt by your brutally frank comments or pieces of advice?

They might probably think you're too impolite. But what can you do if you really need to assert an honest criticism, but you're afraid of hurting others' feelings?

Want to know the secret?

All you have to do is sandwich your negative comment between two positive remarks.

For example, your best friend Paul is going on his first date. He's all excited and raring to go. Now Paul doesn't have any fashion sense. He's wearing a bland shirt and old jeans. You know all along how he hates to admit that he's wrong. So what will you do to save Paul from an embarrassing first date?

Would you say to him that the outfit he's wearing is repulsive? That would hurt his ego.

Well, you can first point out the things that you like in his overall appearance. Comment on his well-groomed hair. Tell him he looks cool when wearing his sunglasses. Ask him where he bought his perfume because it can certainly attract women like bees to honey. Be sincere and honest.

Then, insert your point of view and advice in a friendly and sophisticated manner. For example, you can tell him something like:

"Your shirt seems to be very comfortable to wear, Paul. However, since this is your very first date, I think Sandra (his date) will be much more impressed if you wear something like the outfit you wore on my birthday. You look smashing when you put on clothes like that."

Afterward, make another positive statement. For example, you could say something like:

"You would definitely make a big impact on Sandra. She would fall heads over heels over your gorgeous appearance and cheerful personality. Have a great time on your date, Paul."

Do you think Paul would be offended by such pleasant comments? Not a chance. You have wittingly inserted slightly negative feedback into a plethora of acceptable and ego-boosting remarks.

People love compliments. They believe they got the qualities. They want other people to intensify the extraordinary abilities that they believe to possess. People wanted to hear their greatness purported from someone else's mouth, and they would be happy if other individuals would know about it.

So if you want to criticize anybody, remember to praise him first. It will leave a positive impression that you're a nice guy. Then say what you have to say but smoothly and non-offensive. Finally, finalize with another positive reinforcement to establish a foundation of goodwill.