A kinder way to say “this is terrible”
Why it can fall flat
“this is terrible”
Hearing “this is terrible” makes the listener feel judged as a person, not told what to fix, because it gives no detail to act on. A better move is to say the work isn't good enough yet and name what has to change.
Say this instead
- 01
I don't think this plan will work as it stands. The timeline looks too tight and the budget leaves no room for error. Can I show you what worries me?
Boss · Email
Use it when you disagree with a plan from above, since naming the specific problems and offering to explain keeps the talk constructive.
- 02
Can we look at it together? I think the intro and the pricing slide need a lot of work before we send it.
Coworker · Chat
With a peer you share work with, it names what needs changing and invites joint effort.
- 03
This isn't at the standard we need yet. The main problem is the structure, so let's fix that first, and I'll mark what to change.
Someone you manage · Chat
A manager giving direct feedback can use it to make clear the work falls short and to point at the first fix.
- 04
I don't think this brief will get you the result you want. The deadline and the scope don't fit together, so I'd suggest cutting scope or moving the date.
Client · Email
When a client's brief or feedback won't work, it states the problem plainly and offers options instead of just refusing.
- 05
I think the slides need a lot of work before the 3pm meeting. They're too crowded to follow. Can you call me when you're free?
Coworker · SMS
Time is short here, so it suits a colleague who needs to act before a deadline.
- 06
The photo you sent is too blurry for us to use, so we can't process the request yet. Could you send a clearer one?
Customer · Chat
It judges the file and not the customer, so it stays firm about quality while polite and clear on the next step.
- 07
The salary range for this role is well below what I'm looking for, so it isn't a fit as it stands. Is there any flexibility on it?
Recruiter / HR · Email
If pay or terms miss the mark, it says the offer doesn't work and leaves a door open to discuss.
Examples
Hi Gillian, Thanks for sending the draft. I think the report needs significant changes before Friday: the findings are buried on page four and the charts don't match the text. Could we set aside 20 minutes tomorrow morning to rework the structure? Best, Brian
Hi Robin, the layout isn't working yet: the text is too small and the order is confusing. I'd start by simplifying the first two pages. Want to swap ideas this afternoon?
What to avoid
- Labels like awful, a mess or a joke judge the person rather than the work.
- Criticism that comes with no detail and no next step leaves the reader guessing.
- Sarcasm or jokes can hide the real message.
- If you soften too much, the problem disappears.
- A group channel is the wrong place for criticism when a private message would do.