Which of these is true about delivering criticism? 1always be firm so the receiver apologizes and improves faster. 2make sure that the recipient understands that his job is at risk. 3offer constructive criticism in a group setting. 4add encouraging words while giving feedback. 5avoid providing solutions to problems during feedback.

 4. Add encouraging words while giving feedback.
* This is a good practice in terms of feedback. It is good to highlight strengths as you point out areas of improvement. Through encouragement, they are able to feel that improvement is a possibility for them. 

For number 1, when offering criticism, you are not looking for an apology. you are looking to encourage improvement.

As for number 2, although it is good to make things clear, workers or people typically respond better to rewards rather than punishment. 

Number 3, is not a good practice because constructive criticism should be done privately and not in a group setting. It may make the receiver feel like they are being singled-out. 

Number 5, the point of criticism is to point out areas of improvement and at the same time, show or give examples as to how they can improve. Giving solutions and ideas during feedback will help the receiver understand what they did wrong and how they were supposed to do it.