Code Review Feedback Speaking Exercises
Practice giving and receiving code review feedback verbally — on calls, during pair programming, and in sprint reviews. Learn to critique code without criticising the author.
Code review speaking principles
- Code, not author: "This function could be simplified" not "You wrote this wrong"
- Explain the why: "I'd suggest X because it reduces coupling" — not just "change this"
- Questions over commands: "Have you considered using a map here?" is gentler than "Use a map"
- Acknowledge good work: Name specific things you liked before raising issues
- Giving Constructive Feedback → — Reframe direct criticism into professional, actionable suggestions
- Explaining Your Reasoning → — Practise explaining why you suggested a change, not just what to change
- Receiving Feedback Gracefully → — Responding professionally to critique: asking for clarification, disagreeing politely