Nobody likes giving negative feedback. 

So don't think of it as negative feedback.

Think of it as coaching feedback. Why? 

• Coaching feedback has positive intent.
• It focuses on correctable behaviors.
• It helps people avoid negative consequences.
• It improves on outcomes. 

The coaching feedback formula - 

• STEP 1: Positive intent - Before you give constructive criticism, sell the benefit. Clarify the opportunity up front. It grabs attention and shows you care.
• STEP 2: Coaching feedback - Focus on the correctable. Address behavior w/in their control. Explain what you've observed. Be crystal clear. 
• STEP 3: Negative consequence - Describe the unintended consequence. Explain how the correctable behavior is holding them back. 
• STEP 4: Positive consequence - Dangle the carrot. Explain how the coaching feedback benefits them. 

Example 

• Positive intent - "I think your presentation style can be even better..."
• Coaching feedback - "I've noticed you tend to ramble on a bit after your point's made..."
• Negative consequence - "...That can cause people's minds to wander."
• Positive consequence - "The less you say, the less there is for people to process."