ShmoopTube

00:04

[Dino and Coop playing music]

00:13

Criticism is a tricky thing. [Book picked up]

00:15

On the one hand, it can be a really helpful tool for improving our work and the work of others.

00:19

On the other hand, it can hurt. A lot. [Person hit by book]

00:22

Nobody likes to hear mean things about their work.

00:24

And unfortunately, some people use criticism like a flamethrower, and just burn other people's

00:29

work to a crisp. [Painting is burnt]

00:30

Not only is that not effective, it's also pretty dangerous. [House is on fire.]

00:34

So let's figure out how to deliver constructive feedback that won't land you in jail for arson. [Police arrive]

00:38

Before we get to the nitty-gritty of constructive criticism, it's worth thinking about

00:42

how we deliver our criticism. [Fire truck zooms by]

00:44

We’re not saying that what’s on the outside is more important than what’s on the inside,

00:47

but let’s not pretend that a present wrapped with a pretty bow

00:51

isn’t more exciting than one in a plastic bag. [Person picks up present]

00:53

For one thing, it's helpful to take the word "you" out of your criticism. [Coop teaches]

00:57

Remember, the focus is on a person’s work, not the actual person, so let’s try not

01:02

to get too personal.

01:03

…Janet. [Janet is in jail]

01:04

It's also a good idea to start and end on positive notes. [Dino teaches]

01:07

The person probably did some things right – we hope–– and noting those things

01:11

can help give them the confidence to improve the things they weren't so hot on.

01:15

And no, they don't need to be literally hot. [Janet compliments]

01:18

No more flame throwers, Janet.

01:20

When it comes to your actual criticisms, there are two main things to think about.

01:24

The first is giving notes to help strengthen their arguments. [Coop teaches]

01:27

Often when writing an argumentative essay, people will make arguments that are satisfying

01:31

to them, but not quite convincing to everyone else. [Typing an essay]

01:34

Sure, Max might think that school uniforms are a good idea because it makes every day

01:38

twin day, but maybe you’re not buying it. [Max tries to convince]

01:41

If you see an argument like that, and you know how to improve it, go for it!

01:45

Make it stronger…who doesn't want stronger arguments? [Person works out]

01:47

If a weak argument is Popeye, your good criticism can be spinach.

01:51

The other key to effective criticism is finding objections the writer might have missed. [Coop teaches]

01:55

We know that to defend an argument, we need to block possible counterclaims.

01:58

A writer might have blocked some of them, but if you notice some ninja counterclaims [Goalie blocks]

02:02

that they haven't mentioned in their essay, you'd better tell them, or that argument's

02:06

going to be in serious trouble.

02:08

By following these tips, you'll be able to deliver super helpful criticism. [Dino teaches]

02:11

So, leave the flame throwing to people who want to roast marshmallows,

02:15

but can't find any matches. [Fire]

Full Transcript