How can you give and receive compliments that boost self-esteem?

In my opinion the most confidence-boosting compliments are not just specific but they also refer to a specific action or behaviour. Rather than a state. In this way you acknowledge and praise something the person has actively done. So instead of saying ‘You’re smart’, try saying: ‘I found the answer you gave to this question really smart and insightful’. This gives an insight on how the person can act smart again in future.

Meaningful compliments stem from genuine appreciation and highlight specific attributes. This shows that you recognize the individual you’re complimenting. Giving a specific compliment can show that you took the time to single out something that you see about them and their contribution. It shows “you see me”, and “you notice me” and this inherently satisfies our desire to be acknowledged and to have our strengths validated.

Ever wondered how a simple compliment can transform your day? Compliments are more than niceties; they're powerful tools for boosting self-esteem. The key? Sincerity. Be specific about what you admire—like creativity, dedication, or a positive attitude. This makes your compliment personal and genuine. Equally important is receiving compliments graciously. Instead of brushing them off, simply say 'thank you'. This affirms your qualities and fosters a culture of genuine appreciation. Let’s embrace this cycle of positivity—make giving and receiving sincere, specific compliments a daily practice.

Find a specific example that you can use to really show that you're being genuine. This will also help the person really believe in the compliment you're giving them.

Compliments can do wonders for building someone's confidence, but they work best when they're specific and relevant to what a person is doing. A general "good job" might be appreciated, but a detailed compliment shows you're paying attention and truly value their efforts. For instance, instead of saying, "Nice work," you could say, "I was impressed with how you navigated that tricky situation; you stayed calm and focused, even with so many distractions." This kind of compliment acknowledges their unique strengths and provides constructive feedback they can build on. It also reinforces that you care and are engaged in their progress.

I sincerely hope that apart from an AI nobody would think of making inappropriate or offensive compliments (what a compliment that would be!). On a more serious note: If someone lacks confidence they might prefer to receive praise or positive feedback privately rather than in front of others. It might help them to learn to receive compliments if they do not have to do this publicly.

When you lack confidence, accepting compliments can be tough. Interestingly, practicing giving sincere, specific compliments can make it easier to accept them too. This normalizes positive feedback, making exchanges feel genuine and comfortable. For example, instead of saying 'nice job,' try 'Your creativity in solving that problem was really impressive!' Such meaningful exchanges boost self-esteem and make everyone feel valued. Ready to practice? Feel free to compliment on my answer :-) I promise to give a compliment back!

How do you effectively boost self-esteem with compliments? Mastering compliments involves tact and authenticity. Aim to be respectful and relevant—compliments should reflect genuine appreciation for specific qualities or achievements. This approach not only shows you value the unique attributes of others but also encourages a positive environment. When receiving compliments, accept them graciously with a simple ‘thank you’. This fosters mutual respect and self-assurance. Let’s make every compliment count and build a culture where everyone feels appreciated and empowered.

How often do compliments truly resonate with you? The secret to impactful praise lies in being both respectful and relevant. Dive deep to understand what genuinely drives a person; this knowledge enables your compliments to not only boost self-esteem but also reinforce core strengths. By aligning your accolades with someone’s values and efforts, you empower them to embrace and expand their true potential. Next time you offer praise, make it a mirror that reflects their deepest achievements and watch their confidence soar.

A mentor once told me that the more specific you can make something, the more universal it becomes. This definitely applies to compliments. The more specific you can make your compliment the better. Rather than, "Great job!" try "I really appreciated that you were so detail oriented in reviewing my feedback about the new reporting functions and incorporated my request for the ability to sort by center location." Specific feedback is easier to take in and understand and has the added benefit of reenforcing beneficial behaviors.

They should be spontaneous, based on genuine observations of positive qualities or actions, rather than reserved for special occasions. Timely compliments demonstrate your authenticity and attentiveness, as they show you appreciate others without expecting anything in return and that you are paying attention.

Complimenting and acknowledging someone in the moment or soon after goes a long way in building a deeper relationship with someone. It validates the other person, and comes off as authentic and that you truly care about them.

How can you give and receive compliments that boost self-esteem? Isn't it remarkable how a simple, timely compliment can light up someone's day? The secret sauce? Be timely and spontaneous. When you notice something commendable, say it out loud. This immediacy not only makes the compliment feel genuine but also shows your attentiveness. On the flip side, when you receive a compliment, embrace it graciously. This exchange doesn't just elevate moods; it fosters a culture of positivity and confidence. Start seeing and spreading the good—it’s contagious.

Are you harnessing the power of genuine praise? Timely and spontaneous compliments can significantly boost confidence. Picture giving praise right after a presentation or in the midst of a tough project—it’s about recognizing effort when it’s most impactful. Be specific and sincere; tell people exactly what you value in their actions. When receiving compliments, respond with gratitude. This fosters a culture of respect and positivity, making everyone feel valued. How will you use genuine compliments to uplift others today?

When I notice a client or colleague’s achievement, I aim to acknowledge it immediately. I’ve found that spontaneous recognition of someone’s strengths or contributions—right in the moment—carries a certain authenticity and joy. For instance, after a powerful presentation, a simple acknowledgment like, “That was incredibly engaging and well-prepared!” makes the compliment feel genuine. Giving immediate praise strengthens connections and shows attentiveness, building confidence naturally without expectation.

Learning how to receive compliments is a skill that some people need to learn. I frequently notice this with my coaching clients. When they're on the receiving end of a compliment they are quick to brush it off and say "Oh, it was no big deal". Accepting a compliment, and allowing it to be true is a powerful step towards growing their self-esteem.

Receiving compliments can be difficult for some, but think of a compliment as a gift—you wouldn't turn down a present, would you? The polite response is to say, "Thank you." If compliments make you uncomfortable, try taking a moment to reflect on what the person said. Consider how you might embrace those words and appreciate the positive attributes they see in you. This practice not only boosts your confidence but also shows respect for the person who gave you the compliment. It can create a meaningful connection and affirm the qualities that make you unique.

Receiving compliments can be an uplifting experience, yet it often feels challenging. Many struggle with accepting praise, feeling the urge to disagree, diminish, or reject a compliment. Just like a gift, a compliment is meant to be received with gratitude, not dismissed. Accept the kindness offered to you by starting with a simple "thank you." Resist the urge to downplay the praise. Allow yourself to bask in the moment, a compliment has the power to elevate your mood and boost your confidence. By fully receiving a compliment, you give yourself permission to shine. Remember, the joy of receiving can be shared. Pay it forward. Find someone else to compliment. You will create a ripple effect of positivity and encouragement.

Saying a simple "thank you" might sound easy, but it's something many struggle with. We tend to downplay our role or add explanations, as if accepting appreciation directly makes us uncomfortable. Embracing a simple "thank you" can boost our confidence and help us accept the recognition we deserve.

A tool I use with my confidence clients is their Awesome Me list. Every time they receive praise, a compliment or positive feedback then down it goes on that list. We take time in our coaching sessions to reflect on this to highlight recurring themes which we then begin to build on so that the client really starts to step into their strengths and value.

Receiving compliments can feel tougher than giving them. Ever doubt if a compliment's for real, or just polite fluff? I've been there. But here’s the thing - accepting compliments can really boost your self-esteem. I use a 4 step routine: 1) Really listen when someone says something nice, and just say "thanks" without brushing it off 2) Write it down & collect all compliments 3) Reflect on the compliment: focus on what you agree with and then what you could improve next time 4) Look back at this list when you need a little pick-me-up. Practice it - it'll get easier. Plus, the more you give out genuine compliments, the more you’ll get comfortable getting them back. It's all about creating a positive vibe that keeps uplifting everyone!

After receiving or giving a compliment, I take a moment to reflect on it, which deepens its impact. For example, if someone praises my guidance, I think about what specifically resonated, using it as a reminder of my strengths. Similarly, I encourage clients to reflect on their own compliments, understanding what actions led to positive feedback. By revisiting compliments, they can reinforce their confidence, using each moment of recognition as fuel for continued growth and success.

The more (heartfelt) compliments you give, the more you will receive. This will help you practice giving and receiving. Soon it will seem a whole lot more natural both to give and receive compliments.

It may feel awkward at first, but that's okay! The more you practice giving others compliments, the more you'll start to notice opportunities where you can give compliments to others, including friends, family, and strangers.

Isn't it strange how we often feel awkward or even ashamed when receiving a compliment? We tend to qualify or negate it, and when giving one, we worry about sounding presumptuous or irrelevant. But compliments are a wonderful gift for both the giver and receiver. Just like we don't always give or receive the perfect present, we can practice getting better at compliments. Remember, even if it's not perfect, a compliment is still a gift worth giving. And only practice makes perfect!

Consider giving and receiving compliments, a gift. When someone gives us a gift, the best thing we can do for ourselves and the "gifter" is to accept it and say thank you. When giving a gift, it's nice when the other person says "Thank you." How do you accept it when it's hard? Be aware of your habits so you can catch yourself. Take a breath. Put an imaginary hand on your heart. Smile and say thanks! The breath, pause, and acknowledgment integrate the compliment instead of just going through the motions. And practice!

Self-esteem is fragile—it depends on external validation, rising with success and crashing with failure. Self-efficacy, on the other hand, is built on experience, effort, and action. It’s the belief that you can handle challenges, regardless of praise or criticism. When giving compliments: Acknowledge effort and growth, not just innate traits. Confidence isn’t about feeling good—it’s about trusting yourself to show up, learn, and adapt.

Remember when giving someone a compliment who has a shaky self-esteem, that it might be hard for them to take your compliment at face value.

When receiving compliment, remember that while It's wonderful to have moments where we get to hear how amazing we are, tying our self-worth to needing that external validation can be shaky ground. Our self-esteem needs validation from us more than other people and creating a healthy relationship with ourself is vital for boosting self-esteem much more than receiving compliments.

Compliments, when done well, can be powerful for building self-esteem. I’ve found that specific compliments have the greatest impact - for example, saying, “Your presentation was so clear, and your data analysis really nailed the message” shows thoughtfulness and reinforces exactly what worked. Receiving compliments can be just as important. Instead of deflecting with, “Oh, it was nothing,” a genuine “Thank you, I appreciate that” acknowledges the recognition and helps you own your strengths. It’s a small shift, but one that can make a big difference in how we value ourselves and others.