Tips on being a mentor but not sounding bossy

[Skivvy]

I don't think you should have to word things like you're speaking to a small child just to tell someone that there's a better way they should be doing things. I'm not advocating cursing someone out, but, "why aren't you using X?" is a perfectly valid question. Instead of getting all defensive that person should instead be thinking "Oh, I should be using that ability, then?" or maybe explain their thought process to the rest of the class.

"Why aren't you using scatter" vs. "Try using scatter in packs" - vastly different tones between two fairly similar comments, neither of which are worded for a child. It's really not difficult to be helpful and civil without coming off like you're just harping on someone.