Build trust – Trust is imperative in providing effective feedback. If you want the receiver to really hear what you are saying, they need to know you have their best interests in mind, and your intent really is to try and help them grow and improve. People can often feel scared or threatened when receiving feedback, but if they’re receiving it from someone they trust, this often helps alleviate some of that fear – and thus they tend to be more receptive.
Suspend judgment – Judgment is just your opinion of a person or a situation. When people feel judged they shut down. This is the opposite of what feedback should accomplish. Don’t get into right and wrong and blame and shame. Stay objective and constructive.
Focus on behaviors – When giving feedback it is important to focus on the behaviors and actions and the impacts associated with those. Keep any emotions in check. Do not focus on the person or nitpick flaws. Don’t make it personal (even if sometimes it is.) State observations, not interpretations.