The "sandwich technique" is used to...

The "sandwich technique" is a communication strategy designed to soften the impact of addressing difficult subjects, especially when providing feedback or delivering less favorable news. This approach typically involves framing constructive criticism or challenging messages between two positive statements. By starting with a positive comment, then addressing the difficult subject, and concluding with another positive note, the speaker or writer can reduce the potential negative emotional response from the recipient. This method promotes a more receptive atmosphere for discussing sensitive or critical topics, allowing the message to be conveyed with empathy and care.

For instance, in a performance review, a manager might start by recognizing an employee's strengths, then provide constructive feedback on areas for improvement, and finish with encouragement about future performance. This technique is particularly valuable in professional settings, as it helps maintain relationships and promotes open communication, even when the subjects at hand are uncomfortable.