A prefatory phrase used to soften what follows by acknowledging that the wording may sound rude or blunt; often used in conversation to soften criticism.
言い方は悪いですが、あなたのプレゼンは少し長すぎます。
Not to be rude, but your presentation is a bit too long.
言い方は悪いですが、その案は現実的ではありません。
I don't mean to be harsh, but that proposal isn't realistic.
言い方は悪いですが、正直に言うと彼にはあまり期待していません。
I don't like how this sounds, but to be honest I don't have high expectations of him.
言い方は悪いですが、ここはもう少し工夫が必要です。
Excuse my phrasing, but this needs a bit more work.