Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

B2-C1

How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive

Live On Purpose TV

119K views 8 years ago

Warm-up Questions

When someone criticizes you, what do you usually feel first: angry, embarrassed, calm, or something else?
What does “getting defensive” look like in a conversation?
Why might learning to take criticism be useful at work or in relationships?

Up Next

Shadowing Technique in English: are you wasting your time? Accent's Way English with Hadar
Hey You, Roger Waters ft. Paul Carrack, Live In Berlin 1990 Vinicius Merlo
Interchange 2 (14. The body language of business) Innovation Development
12 Cultural Festivals in the World That Will Amaze You Tripinn
THE BEST ENGLISH CONVERSATION FOR BEGINNERS || ENGLISH FOR BEGINNERS Podcast || Daily English

Start With: Word Definition

Order: Alphabetical Random

…

How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive

Why defensiveness makes things worse (00:00 – 01:16)

Transcript will load here…

1. According to the speaker, what does defensiveness often do to an accusation?

It changes the topic away from the accusation.
It proves the accusation is false.
It validates the accusation.
It makes the accuser apologize.

2. Why can being defensive make you seem guilty even if you are not?

Because defensiveness makes people forget the original issue.
Because defensiveness always includes admitting fault.
Because defensiveness can look like you are trying to cover it up.
Because defensiveness is the same as lying.

3. What does the speaker say is important to understand 'right up front'?

That only close friends can criticize you.
That you should argue your point immediately.
That defensiveness validates accusation.
That criticism is usually meant as a joke.

How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive

Opinions vs. facts: reframe criticism (01:16 – 03:09)

Transcript will load here…

1. When someone criticizes you, what does the speaker say they are usually expressing?

A proven fact
Their opinion
A legal judgment
A secret about you

2. What change in thinking does the speaker recommend to avoid taking criticism personally?

Ignore every comment completely.
Assume the person is lying.
Respond immediately to defend your reputation.
Reframe it as simply listening to someone’s opinion.

3. What does the speaker say an opinion often tells you more about?

The person giving the opinion
Your future results
Your private intentions
The objective truth

How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive

Turn criticism into feedback and respond calmly (03:09 – 09:52)

Transcript will load here…

1. How does the speaker suggest you should think about criticism?

As feedback (information)
As something only true friends can say
As an attack you must defeat
As proof you should change immediately

2. In the example about being called “sensitive,” what re-interpretation does the speaker offer?

“You are definitely too emotional.”
“My experience of you is that you are sensitive.”
“You should stop talking to that person.”
“Sensitivity is always a weakness.”

3. What is one response the speaker recommends instead of getting defensive?

Stop the conversation and leave immediately.
Ask other people to take your side.
Say “thank you for the feedback” and consider it.
Tell the person they’re wrong and list reasons.

How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive

Transcript will load here…

1. What is the speaker’s main reason for avoiding defensiveness?

It validates accusation and can make you seem guilty.
It guarantees the other person will stop criticizing you.
It makes you look more intelligent in arguments.
It helps you prove your point faster.

2. Which idea best summarizes the speaker’s approach to criticism?

Respond strongly so people won’t criticize you again.
Treat criticism as fact until proven otherwise.
Treat criticism as feedback and ask what it reveals about your behavior and the other person’s perceptions.
Avoid people who criticize you and only accept compliments.

3. What is the difference between facts and opinions in the video?

Facts are always polite; opinions are always rude.
Opinions are always based on research.
Opinions can look like facts, but they are not the same.
Facts and opinions are the same thing.

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive

Do you agree that defensiveness “validates accusation”? Why or why not?
Think of a recent criticism you received. How could you reframe it as feedback?
When is criticism useful information, and when is it just the other person’s opinion?
Is saying “thank you for the feedback” always a good idea? In what situations might it be difficult?