I've never been good at giving in-person critiques. Unless a piece has obvious technical flaws or is dazzlingly brilliant, I find it difficult knowing what to say about the work, other than commenting on the elements I enjoyed. I find it particularly difficult telling strong writers what they can improve.
Not sure if this is due to the way I process information? This problem doesn't plague me as much when I've taken online writing workshops, but only because I have the time to give each piece a second read-through when I can take myself out of the story and focus more on my own reaction. Unfortunately this isn't always an option in writers workshops. In those scenarios I find myself re-reading the story again while my classmates are giving their feedback. By the time I'm done I don't want to give my opinions because I'm not sure if someone has already mentioned the same thing.
Does anyone else have trouble giving critiques in a workshop or other setting? What strategies have you used to help you give better feedback?
Not sure if this is due to the way I process information? This problem doesn't plague me as much when I've taken online writing workshops, but only because I have the time to give each piece a second read-through when I can take myself out of the story and focus more on my own reaction. Unfortunately this isn't always an option in writers workshops. In those scenarios I find myself re-reading the story again while my classmates are giving their feedback. By the time I'm done I don't want to give my opinions because I'm not sure if someone has already mentioned the same thing.
Does anyone else have trouble giving critiques in a workshop or other setting? What strategies have you used to help you give better feedback?