Technique:Sandwich Technique - Positive Critiicism

1. Use sincere praise in a "Compliment Sandwich Technique". When you use the sandwich technique, you sandwich one bad point (as a request not a direct complaint) offset between two good points (compliments). Don't sound unfriendly or too intense, yet not so mushy as to not make the point clearly.

2. Use condiments of smiles; be on the other person's side. Let the other person know that you are empathetic; feel concern, but it's not pity or sympathy. And rather than being antagonistic, you are showing that you recognize several good points, too.

3. Keep it real: know what the issues are. Relax and be personable; don't magnify the facts or descriptions: as if you're some cheap, "B-movie" actor, and faking it with made-up, or silly, slapstick compliments.

4. Start with a slice good characteristic or special gift of the person: be pretty accurate to "not" exaggerate or to be outrageous.

5. Criticize the actions not the person. Put the "meat" with "now ____" or "one thing is ____"
Avoid using "but" because that will even offend children.

6. End it with another good point -- in the critiqued person's favor. So finish with a slice of complimentary remarks. These examples stress the two compliments:  

1. "You are so good at making those grilled cheese sandwiches. They taste so good. Now, I really wish that you would clean up the kitchen area after you do it. It would help me out a lot. You are so good about helping around the house." Variations include:
2. "What I liked most was (______). One way you could improve this is (______). One of your greatest strengths is (______)."
3. "The first thing I observed was that you did (_____) just right. Well done. Now let's talk about this, if we can tweak this one thing. Could you (______)? It’ll be even better. There, you got it just right. You did great. I really like the way you (______)."
4. "One really good thing about your gardening project is (______). I would really appreciate it if, instead of doing (______), that you do (______). That would make me very happy. By the way, in case I haven’t mentioned it lately, I just want to say that one thing I really admire about you is (______)."
5. "You make a valid point. One thing I like about how you're thinking is (______). Let me counter your argument by saying... Like I said, you made a good point. One thing that always impresses me about you is (______)."

7. Explain your compliments -- being respectful: make your words real by saying something that sounds reasonable and full of meaning, such as:

• "And I noticed this because (______). It reminds me of the time that (______)."
• "I remember the time that you (______). That is the same kind of (______) that you know that I like so much; thank you so much."

http://www.wikihow.com/Criticize-Constructively