Criticize vs. Critique

It's difficult to criticize somebody. "Criticize" has become a tainted word. Criticism at default is negative. Criticism can only be positive if you go out of your way to mention that it is positive criticism. 

The more neutral word to use is "critique". Critique really is the same as criticism, but it somehow remains separate in our collective minds (probably because it's French). Joking aside, I think it's because of being less common. People only use "critique" when trying to not offend somebody. That's why it remains neutral; it is used more neutrally than "criticism". 

Try to give people a fair critique. Be positive along with negatives. And don't bring up pure negatives. Say how and why something didn't resonate with you and try to offer suggestions for improvement.