Effective feedback should be:

Effective feedback is specific and constructive because it provides clear, actionable insights that help individuals understand their performance in detail. Specific feedback focuses on particular behaviors or outcomes rather than vague generalizations, which can leave individuals unsure of how to improve. Constructive feedback not only identifies areas for improvement but also encourages positive change by highlighting strengths and providing guidance on how to address weaknesses.

When feedback is specific, it gives recipients the information they need to make adjustments and enhances their learning experience. For example, instead of simply stating that a presentation was "good," specific feedback might point out particular aspects that worked well and areas that could be improved, such as the use of visual aids or audience engagement techniques. This targeted approach helps learners internalize the feedback and apply it effectively in the future.

In contrast, vague feedback does not provide the necessary details for improvement, while feedback that is rarely given misses the opportunity for ongoing development. Consistency with prior methods may have some value, but it is more important that feedback is tailored to the situation and the individual's needs to foster growth and learning.