Etiquette on Criticizing, in Cultural Notes, in English
(Source: Astuti, Eka Mulya.2010. English Zone. Jakarta: PenerbitErlangga.)
Critique sometimes result in sharp disputes. Maybe you are familiar with a conservation such as this: “it was you who asked me to critique your work from my frame of reference. I did it. And now you tell me to say away the plot?” what they get then is uncomfortable dialogs. To avoid such a situation, it is better if you use “The 5-on-5 etiquette”. Actually, it is very simple. If you are receiving critique:
1) Take notes to show you want to take the critique seriously.
2) Do not be defensive, just take what is useful and silently disregard what is not.
3) Do not expect any compliments, all you need is the it critique.
4) No matter how much you disagree, when the critique say the same thing, maybe they have a valid point.
5) thank them for having read and thought about your work.
And when you are giving critique:
1) be objective, not emotive.
2) do not argue.
3) be specific. Show the author that you have read the work well.
4) always provide and evaluative summary after reviewing the positive and negative aspect of the text.
5) do not just critique orally, write you review for the author’s consideration.
Critique is important, particularly when the work has not yet been launched to public. On the other hand, you also could be asked by an author to critique his/ her work. Try not to refuse. This is a take-and give situation. Everybody will benefit.
(source: http:///www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin)