Clarify criticism, acknowledge a valid point and discuss what to do next.
The idea
Listen before responding, request a specific example if the concern is unclear, and acknowledge the part you accept. Propose an action and arrange a follow-up.
Examples
- Thank you for raising this concern with me.
- Could you give me an example of the unclear update?
- I can see that I left out the delivery date.
- I will include the date in my next summary.
- Would it help if I shared a draft before the meeting?
- Can we revisit this after the next project update?
Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.
No English device voice is available. You can still read the examples.
Watch out
Do not agree to an unclear criticism simply to end the conversation; ask for an example before deciding what to change.
Try it yourself
Could you give me a specific ___ of the problem? (example / excuse)
Show answer or example answer
example
example requests evidence that makes the concern clearer.
I ___ that the schedule was missing from my message. (accept / accepts)
Show answer or example answer
accept
accept acknowledges the specific valid point.
Let us ___ next week to see whether the change helped. (follow up / give up)
Show answer or example answer
follow up
follow up arranges a later discussion of progress.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Could you give me a specific ___ of the problem? (example / excuse)
I ___ that the schedule was missing from my message. (accept / accepts)
Let us ___ next week to see whether the change helped. (follow up / give up)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Respond to feedback about an unclear presentation and agree on a follow-up.