Send the criticism privately and the praise publicly
The default is backwards: people praise in private and criticize where everyone can see.
The BeingKind editorsPublished How this is written
Why it lands
Public criticism recruits an audience, which turns a correction into a humiliation and makes the person defend rather than reconsider. Private criticism is far more likely to be acted on. Praise works the opposite way — public is more valuable because it is durable and usable. Most people do it the wrong way round without ever deciding to.
How
Before posting a critical reply, ask whether a message would do the same job. If the error is materially misleading others, correct the fact publicly without commenting on the person. Save the assessment of their judgement for the private version.
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