"Richard, you're a failure. You have the confidence to present this on my table? My 12 years old daughter could do better than this thing you call an essay writing."

"Richard I love it that you put in your effort to present an essay of 250 words, but you have a little problem with your paragraphing, come closer let me show you."

The statements above show criticism in two different approaches. Which one do you think looks best for a teacher correcting his student?

Before we answer that, let's visit the term "Criticism"

How does one interpret the term "Criticism"? Please Explain!

Criticism is an uncomfortable comment about an action or character that helps one be a better person. It adds value to your life if you accept it and act on it.

Criticism acceptance for many depends on how it was delivered. The manner of criticism shows the reason behind why one is being criticized. Some people criticize out of pride, though that can help the recipient and make the person wiser or better than before. But because of the manner it was given, the receiver may reject it and miss the lesson behind it.

On the other hand, a well-organized criticism is easier to accept. It pushes a person to act for their own good without it affecting their confidence.

Whichever way a criticism is presented, we shouldn't forget the fact that if we keep calm and think about it positively. If we focus on the bright side or lesson, instead of the person giving it. It will improve and add value to our lives. No doubt, at first it may sound hurtful but in the end turns helpful.

Do you believe that constructive criticism is essential for nurturing improvement? I would appreciate your view on this matter

Yes I believe that. For example, during my early days of speech presentation in my organization.

I used to feel confident that I had delivered well because I followed the speech outline closely and I didn't miss any points, and also I didn't shake or stammer.

Then, there was a time, after my presentation, someone approached me and commented that I was too fast with my speech, my voice was too low, those at the back couldn't hear me clearly and also that I was too focus on my material. I didn't look at my audience frequently. At first I felt hurt, as if my effort was wasted.

But I kept calm and think about it. I humbly go through how I presented and I come to see the positive side of that criticism. The person did appreciate me on what I did well, like my dressing. Another view, they person criticising me was one of my audience, I'm the speaker, what I feel is different from what my audience experience.

After considering all that, I come to see that the criticism was worth it. It helped me improve my skills, and my presentation become much better after that. I started talking slower, try my best to be audible and looking at my audience. With that adjustments, my audience enjoyed my presentation more than before.

From my experience, this is why I say constructive criticism is essential. If that criticism didn't come in, I would have kept repeating the same mistakes. But with it, my effort in every speech I present turns into gradual improvements. Thanks to constructive criticism from my audience.

An overview of the advantages and disadvantages associated with criticism

Advantages of Criticism

• Reveals mistakes: most mistakes are seen by others. So if they don't speak up about it, how would you get better ? When mistakes are revealed, you can avoid them and become better.

• Builds good character: accepting correction always, not focused on how it was given or who gave it, builds humility, resilience, perseverance and other good conduct.

• Boosts growth: criticism helps you to grow faster in your profession or lifestyle. It helps avoid always learning the hard way, when there is a shortcut.

• Prevent serious mistakes: When you learn to accept corrections, it helps you avoid bigger mistakes in the future. If you ignore it, it may lead to failure.

Disadvantages of Criticism

• Bad intentions: some people criticize from a wrong motive: pride, grudges, jealousy and other negative reasons.

• Poor approach: criticism helps improve our lives but it can be rude or insulting depending on how it is being presented.

• Discouragement: in most cases and depending on a person, criticism may not be rude or harsh, but makes the recipient shy or discouraged. Some may even give up.

But if we stay calm and review what we're criticized for, it will be for our own good. We'll improve ourselves, prevent costly mistakes, and build good character.

My Conclusion

In all that's being said here:

• When criticising someone: Remember to be kind and polite when criticizing, avoid doing it for the wrong motive.

• When you're being criticized: Keep calm and review yourself. From there you'll see the positive side of it, where the mistake came from and what to do to improve yourself.

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I invite: @lhorgic, @obikay, and @bigcharles to join the contest

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Cc: @sduttaskitchen

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