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Guide to Effective Constructive Criticism
Giving Effective Constructive Criticism
Constructive criticism is the foundation of good writing, both in giving it and receiving it. This guide is dedicated to offering pointers on how to effectively provide constructive feedback for other users.
The first thing we must keep in mind are the very words themselves "Constructive Criticism." Feedback needs to be given in such a way as to give the author something to work with and build upon, to effectively "construct" their work around. While praise and compliments are always wonderful and appreciated, "I really love your story/poem" really doesn't help the author much. To be constructive, feedback needs to have a little more meat to it.
Your enjoyment of a work should not be the focus of feedback. Again, while it's wonderful to be appreciated, it doesn't help much unless you know why. If you have enjoyed an author's writing, tell them why. Tell them what appealed to you about their composition, characters, use of language, description, plot, or creative devices used. By doing this, "I loved this story" becomes "I really liked the tension in the story."
You can take it further and again tell the author why you liked this aspect. Perhaps they've used their characters really well to establish it, or they've used the setting and its description to create tension. Commenting on how they've done something well adds more depth and gives the author something to reference later. If they've done something particularly well and have had it pointed out to them, they may do it again.
If you haven't enjoyed the work of an author, you have two choices: say it nicely, or say nothing at all. Just like baseless compliments do nothing to help an author "I really didn't like this" or "OMG u suck!" don't let the author know what they need to improve. Telling an author why you didn't enjoy their work lets them know areas that they need to try and work out. By telling an author that the rhythm in their poetry seems awkward lets them know that there's a problem in the reading of their work. Giving examples of where the problem occurs lets them know exactly where they should focus their attention. Just because you've voiced suggestions doesn't mean the author will make changes to their work, but at least you've made them aware of potential difficulties from a reader's perspective.
When giving feedback, I would propose the following model which I was taught in a workshop: Two stars and a wish. It sounds horribly corny and more than a little cliche, but it works well. The two stars are things that the author has done well, and the wish offers suggestion for improvement. While you don't have to follow this model exactly, it pays to keep in mind that purely suggestive feedback, pointing out mistakes or areas for improvement, is not going to endear you to the author. Be sure to devote equal, or more time, to telling them what they have done well. This boosts their confidence while helping them to grow as an artist.
On Accepting Constructive Criticism
Grace is a word that should be kept in mind when accepting constructive criticism. If it seems negative, pointing out what a reader has not liked in your writing or they offer too many suggestions for your taste. Do not take it personally. Remember that you posted your work for others to read it and to help you improve, and it's always a good idea to take their responses into consideration.
I've heard far too many authors, after receiving requested feedback that went against what they thought of their writing, respond by saying "I don't care, because I know what I mean and I write for myself any way." Wrong. By presenting your work publicly, by asking for feedback, you are not writing for yourself, you are writing for an audience. While you are indeed the creative genius behind your work and are intimately aware of what you were working to accomplish, your audience plays an important role. Of course you know what you mean, but if they give you feedback and you feel they've completely missed your point, ask yourself how clearly you made it? Yes, you know it, but if your audience is unaware of it then there's a problem that should be corrected.
Read over all of the comments you receive on your work, thank users for taking the time to give it to you, and don't be afraid to ask a user to further explain their comment. The more you understand from your readers, the better you can make your writing. Criticism is more important than compliments some times.
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