Should I give feedback in a channel or in a private message?

Feedback on shared work, like a design posted for review, belongs where it was posted. Feedback about a person's behavior belongs in a private message.

How do I make criticism sound less harsh in English?

Describe the effect instead of judging: "the gray text may be hard to read" rather than "the colors are strange". Phrases like "I'd look at" and "may be" soften without hiding the point.

How to give feedback in a Slack channel, with examples

Feedback in a channel is read by the whole team, so a blunt line reads harsher than you meant. Start with what works, name each issue precisely and offer a next step.

By Rubens JrUpdated October 16, 2026

How it looks in Slack

Write the draft the way it comes out, in any language. Press the BetterSend button in the composer, pick a tone, and the draft is replaced before you send.

Your draft

the new design is not good, the buttons are too small and the colors is strange

Message #design-review

Improve

What you send🤝 Diplomatic

#design-review

Thanks for sharing the new design, the layout is much cleaner. Two things I'd look at: the buttons feel small on mobile, and the gray text may be hard to read. Happy to pair on it if useful.

What changed

The reply thanks the person and names a real strength, turns "not good" into two specific points, and offers to help instead of only judging.

Do this inside Slack

The Slack app on Mac and Windows

The BetterSend desktop app puts its icon in the composer of the native Slack app. Double-click a message from a colleague to translate it or have it explained.