During a project review meeting, a senior stakeholder criticizes the project team's performance in front of other stakeholders, causing visible distress to team members. The criticism is partially valid but delivered inappropriately. What should the project manager do FIRST?

Defend the team immediately and redirect the conversation to project accomplishments

Acknowledge the concerns professionally and suggest discussing specific improvement actions privately after the meeting

Ask the stakeholder to provide specific examples and evidence for their criticism

End the meeting immediately to prevent further damage to team morale