8 Steps to Giving Great Compliments
by Arpit Banjara
1. 5. Use creative and unusual words instead of everyday ones
1.1. Which would stay with you longer
1.1.1. "Your new dress is really nice"
1.1.2. or "Your new dress is fabulous! I love the fabric, it is really eye-catching!"
2. 6. Take opportunities to compliment character traits rather than appearance
2.1. as these types of compliments are rarely heard.
2.2. compliment a mother on her compassion for her children
2.3. or a teacher on his ability to keep students motivated.
3. 7. Be willing to give constructive criticism
3.1. Compliments mean more when the other person knows that
3.2. you aren't afraid to also be honest about faults
4. 8. Don't be afraid to compliment people in authority
4.1. People in power tend to receive fewer compliments
4.2. and you might be pleasantly surprised at the response you receive
4.3. the person will probably welcome the positive feedback
5. 1. Don't give out compliments randomly
5.1. You should genuinely believe the compliment or it will come across as insincere
6. 2. Give specific rather than general compliments
6.1. Instead of "your kitchen looks great,"
6.2. say something like
6.2.1. "Your kitchen looks great, I really like your new cabinetry and hardware."
7. 3. Just as in receiving compliments
7.1. giving compliments helps you start a conversation
7.2. You might add in
7.2.1. "Where did you get the cabinets from"
7.2.2. or "Who installed your kitchen?"
8. 4. Make sure the compliment is appropriate
8.1. Consider the setting and your relationship with the person
8.1.1. to make sure that the compliment is appropriate