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The Art of Giving and Receiving Compliments
GIVING COMPLIMENTS
Giving compliments is a friendly way to begin conversation and to promote good will
and make others feel good about themselves. If compliments aren’t sincere, the
receiver might be tuned in and take it as an indirect insult.
-Direct Compliment
Example: “What a nice shirt.” Try not to go into too much detail about the shirt or you
could make the conversation boring. By saying additional information such as “this
sweater is so much better looking than your other ones” takes away from the
effectiveness of the compliment.
-Indirect Compliment
Example: “You know a lot about fashion, do you think you could help me find some
shoes this weekend.” Indirect compliments are used when you admire something
about them without telling them directly. They are great to use when you need some
help.
Note: Avoid giving compliments in public that might be interpreted as an insult to
others. For example, if you compliment somebody’s sweater, others listening might
feel that you are implying you don’t like theirs.
RECEIVING COMPLIMENTS
Compliments are like gifts and you should always let the giver know your
appreciation. Here are some appropriate responses:
By responding by denying the response such as “this sweater is faced and old” is
rude and may make the person giving the compliment feel that you don’t value his or
her opinion.
Note: Europeans often receive compliments without words, rather a friendly smile.
Asians also don’t use words, but a gracious bow.
GIVING COMPLIMENTS
Giving compliments is a friendly way to begin conversation and to promote good will
and make others feel good about themselves. If compliments aren’t sincere, the
receiver might be tuned in and take it as an indirect insult.
-Direct Compliment
Example: “What a nice shirt.” Try not to go into too much detail about the shirt or you
could make the conversation boring. By saying additional information such as “this
sweater is so much better looking than your other ones” takes away from the
effectiveness of the compliment.
-Indirect Compliment
Example: “You know a lot about fashion, do you think you could help me find some
shoes this weekend.” Indirect compliments are used when you admire something
about them without telling them directly. They are great to use when you need some
help.
Note: Avoid giving compliments in public that might be interpreted as an insult to
others. For example, if you compliment somebody’s sweater, others listening might
feel that you are implying you don’t like theirs.
RECEIVING COMPLIMENTS
Compliments are like gifts and you should always let the giver know your
appreciation. Here are some appropriate responses:
- “Thank You”
- “I’m glad you like it.”
- “What a nice thing to say.”
- “I appreciate it.”
By responding by denying the response such as “this sweater is faced and old” is
rude and may make the person giving the compliment feel that you don’t value his or
her opinion.
Note: Europeans often receive compliments without words, rather a friendly smile.
Asians also don’t use words, but a gracious bow.