When to use it
Use it when you have feedback a peer may not expect. Asking first gives them a moment to get ready and makes them a participant, not a target. Then share one observation about what you saw, not a judgment about them.
Example
You: “Can I share an observation?”
Colleague: “Sure.”
You: “In the demo, the pricing came up before the problem. I think people were lost for a minute.”
In an email or Slack message
In writing, the same opener works: “Can I share one observation on the demo deck?” If they say yes, keep it to one point and one suggestion.