Giving and receiving positive feedback

to have an eye for something

to be particularly perceptive about something

innate

existing from birth and not learned or taught

plasticity

the capacity of the living brain for continuous alteration of the neural pathways in response to experience

cynical

distrusting the motives and intentions of others; believing the worst of others

to have a word with someone

to speak to someone in private

to counter the effects

to neutralise or reduce the bad effects of something by an opposite action

to hone

to develop a skill or talent by working hard at it

to sugarcoat something

to make something difficult or unpleasant sound more attractive and acceptable