Giving feedback can be tricky. The key is balance -be direct, but not discouraging.

How to practice

Start with the positive. It’s important to acknowledge strengths first.

Then, give the feedback. Be specific and solution-based.

End with encouragement. Reaffirm confidence in their ability to improve.

It might not seem important to point out the positive, because it’s not a point of work, but it highlights what they don’t have to work on.

More importantly, it reaffirms they are on the right track; and if you end with encouragement, you’ll reaffirm their ability to stay on the right track.