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American style business feedback – HearSay

English B2

Master the art of delivering direct yet positive performance feedback. Practice your listening and speaking skills on the go to sound natural in any corporate setting.

Lessons

The feedback sandwich
Learn the standard American framework for delivering criticism cushioned between layers of praise.
Vocabulary
- a feedback sandwich (a layered critique)
- constructive (useful and helpful)
- to soften (to make less harsh)
- a critique (a detailed evaluation)
- strategic (carefully planned)
- a recipient (a person who receives something)
Objectives
- Understand the feedback sandwich structure
- Introduce constructive criticism
- Soften negative messages
Starting with positive praise
Discover how to authentically open a feedback session using common American superlatives.
Vocabulary
- fabulous (extraordinarily good)
- awesome (extremely impressive)
- to commend (to praise formally)
- an accomplishment (a successful achievement)
- outstanding (exceptionally good)
- genuine (sincere and honest)
Objectives
- Open a feedback conversation
- Use superlatives naturally
- Express genuine appreciation
Transitioning to the critique
Master the subtle pivot from praising someone's work to addressing their shortcomings.
Vocabulary
- a transition (a change from one state to another)
- however (on the other hand)
- an area for improvement (a weakness to work on)
- to pivot (to shift direction)
- to shift (to change focus)
- a perspective (a point of view)
Objectives
- Pivot from positive to negative
- Frame areas for growth
- Avoid harsh transitions
Focusing on the behavior
Practice separating the person from the problem to keep feedback professional and objective.
Vocabulary
- observable (able to be noticed)
- a behavior (the way someone acts)
- a personality (a person's character)
- to interrupt (to stop someone speaking)
- objective (not influenced by feelings)
- a trait (a distinguishing quality)
Objectives
- Describe observable actions
- Separate behavior from personality
- Keep feedback objective
Using forward-looking language
Shift the focus from past mistakes to future strategies and solutions.
Vocabulary
- forward-looking (planning for the future)
- a strategy (a plan of action)
- an approach (a way of dealing with something)
- heading (moving in a particular direction)
- a course correction (a change to fix a mistake)
- proactive (acting in anticipation)
Objectives
- Use future-oriented phrases
- Suggest alternative strategies
- Initiate course correction
Softening direct criticism
Explore cultural nuances that make American feedback seem less direct than it actually is.
Vocabulary
- a nuance (a subtle difference)
- to discern (to recognize or understand)
- directness (the quality of being straightforward)
- to rephrase (to express in an alternative way)
- a tendency (an inclination to act a certain way)
- blunt (uncompromisingly forthright)
Objectives
- Recognize softened criticism
- Rephrase blunt statements
- Navigate cultural communication tendencies
Ending on a high note
Close out a feedback session by restoring confidence and emphasizing ongoing support.
Vocabulary
- encouragement (support that inspires confidence)
- a high note (a positive conclusion)
- self-esteem (confidence in one's own worth)
- supportive (providing encouragement)
- a morale boost (an increase in confidence)
- to wrap up (to bring to a conclusion)
Objectives
- Conclude a difficult conversation
- Boost the recipient's morale
- Reaffirm professional support
Giving actionable insights
Ensure your feedback provides clear, concrete steps the recipient can take immediately.
Vocabulary
- actionable (able to be done or acted on)
- an insight (a deep understanding)
- an optimization (making the best use of a situation)
- a takeaway (a key point to remember)
- to implement (to put into effect)
- concrete (specific and definite)
Objectives
- Provide clear direction
- Suggest concrete steps
- Optimize employee performance
Seeking feedback from others
Learn how American leaders actively ask for feedback from their teams to model growth.
Vocabulary
- 360-degree (comprehensive from all angles)
- to seek (to attempt to find)
- an evaluation (an assessment)
- mutual (held in common)
- upward (directed towards a higher level)
- to request (to formally ask for)
Objectives
- Ask team members for feedback
- Encourage upward evaluation
- Model openness to critique
Fostering psychological safety
Understand how creating a safe environment encourages honest and productive communication.
Vocabulary
- psychological (related to the mental state)
- safety (the condition of being protected)
- to foster (to encourage the development of)
- to model (to serve as an example)
- a safe space (an environment free of judgment)
- vulnerability (willingness to show weakness)
Objectives
- Create a safe team environment
- Encourage open dialogue
- Demonstrate professional vulnerability
Being specific and objective
Move away from vague generalizations and learn to pinpoint specific instances of concern.
Vocabulary
- specific (clearly defined or identified)
- general (affecting or concerning all)
- a statement (a clear expression)
- to pinpoint (to identify with precision)
- an impact (a strong effect)
- measurable (able to be quantified)
Objectives
- Avoid vague statements
- Pinpoint specific issues
- Discuss the impact of actions
Addressing meeting etiquette
Use the feedback sandwich to address common behavioral issues during team meetings.
Vocabulary
- etiquette (the customary code of polite behavior)
- active listening (fully concentrating on what is said)
- a colleague (a person you work with)
- a distraction (something that prevents concentration)
- to participate (to take part in)
- an interaction (communication between two or more people)
Objectives
- Discuss meeting behavior
- Promote active listening skills
- Address peer distractions
Encouraging continuous improvement
Frame feedback not as a punishment, but as an essential tool for ongoing professional growth.
Vocabulary
- continuous (forming an unbroken whole)
- improvement (the act of making something better)
- to grow (to undergo natural development)
- to succeed (to achieve the desired aim)
- a milestone (a significant stage or event)
- ongoing (continuing without termination)
Objectives
- Frame feedback as a tool for growth
- Discuss professional milestones
- Encourage ongoing development
Delivering a performance review
Put all the pieces together in a comprehensive, formal annual performance review setting.
Vocabulary
- an obligation (a duty or commitment)
- an annual review (a yearly performance assessment)
- a rating (a classification according to quality)
- to summarize (to give a brief statement of)
- comprehensive (including all or nearly all elements)
- an appraisal (an act of assessing something)
Objectives
- Deliver a formal review
- Summarize yearly performance
- Provide a comprehensive appraisal

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