How to Pay a Compliment

Paying someone a compliment can be a very natural practice for some people. However, many people may find giving a compliment difficult. Giving compliments is critical to building relationships and encouraging other people. It is easy once you have an idea of how to go about it.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to positive traits, features and characteristics in the person you would like to compliment.

2. Decide on what trait, feature or characteristic to compliment them on. This doesn't have to be complex. It can be as simple as letting them know you like the way they style their hair. However, if you would like to compliment them on something a little more profound, such as a book they have authored, that is acceptable as well.

3. Find a casual moment to pay this person the compliment. This could be in crossing paths or during a longer encounter, such as dinner or lunch. You don't necessarily have to plan this moment out. If you decide you would like to compliment them on their style of clothing, determine to do so the next time you are in conversation with them. The compliment does not have to have a specific time or place.

4. State your compliment with a tone of sincerity. This can be done by emphasizing the statement rather than rushing through it. Also, using their name in your compliment brings a tone of sincerity. For example, "Jane, I really love the way you are always smiling in the morning."

5. Look the person in the eyes when you pay them the compliment. This will reinforce your sincerity. Eye contact is very important in human interaction. Looking away may distract from your words or raise doubt in reference to your sincerity.

6. Understand that giving a compliment does not mean that you should expect one in return. A sincere compliment is meant to be giving simply for the uplifting of the other person and not as a means to receive one yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Smiling can add an uplifting tone when giving a compliment.

• Leaning towards the person may be a helpful type of body language to show them that you are sincere.

• Don't laugh while complimenting someone! This may make them think you are being sarcastic.