Make Constructive Criticism Truly Constructive
Criticisms should start with what is good about an individual�s singing technique and build from there. For some reason this seems to run counter to what many singing and vocal instructors incorporate into their teaching style. A great many instructors find everything you might have done wrong and attempt to fix all of these supposed problems. What I�ve found to be the greatest talent of my favorite singing and vocal instructors is their ability to find what I�ve done right in my singing technique and then continually build on this. In the end this always takes care of the original problems that were found in my original singing technique.
Obviously one of the goal�s should be to address problems and work toward solutions, but constructive criticism is just that � it is constructive. So ask yourself, �How can I build someone up if I am only focusing on this person�s weak points in my analysis?� Don�t dwell on what is wrong with a singer�s performance to the extent that the problem becomes a distraction.
One of the most clever techniques for dealing constructively in your criticism is to give out what I�ve come to know as a good-bad-good sandwich - slice of critique in between two pieces of compliment. Start out with what a singer is doing right, transition into what is needs improvement and end with another compliment of the singer�s strengths. This way your student is opened up by the compliment, the problem is addressed and then they�re left with the good feeling of another compliment.
Lastly, keep in mind your non-verbal behaviors, like posture or facial expression. These are powerful indicators of your thoughts. If you look relaxed, your student is more likely to accept your critic because his or her self-esteem won't be damaged.