5. Successful communication focuses on one thing at a time. Be specific. If you are giving negative feedback, be direct about what problem is, stick to topic, and avoid dragging in other problems. Instead of telling your teenager that you've been proud of her attitude lately, compliment an exact time she was willing to do something without a fuss. Instead of saying "Hey Chuck, nice work on that project", try "Hey Chuck, I really appreciate you working so closely with XYZ Vendor to get that equipment delivered on time".

6. Successful feedback focuses on things individual can do something about. Feedback concerning matters that are out of individual's control is not useful. It only increases a person's frustration to be criticized for something they can't do anything about. Reprimanding your teenager for spending too much time on an assignment is unfair since she can't control her teachers' requests. Expecting your associate to write a business letter same way you would is impossible since he can't read your mind.

7. Successful communication offers solutions. When you must give negative feedback to someone, always focus on what corrective action they can take. Be willing to give them support and tools needed to correct situation. Discuss options, or explain rules and clearly define consequences. The objective of successful communication is to help person view information as an opportunity to learn, instead of a threat. By offering specific examples, you will be able to relate how changing his behavior will help him achieve his goal.

8. Try using "feedback sandwich". A feedback sandwich is a language tool that assists you in giving clear and specific messages in an acceptable way. Begin with a specific praise, then your constructive advice using tools above, then additional praise. It's very important that your acknowledgments be true about individual, not just general positive statements.