In the course of your student life, when was the last time someone handed you a compliment? Better yet, when was the last time you gave one? Compliments create so much positive energy that they seem almost to be magic! “Too often we underestimate the ripple effect of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring - all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Let’s face it – DUX is all about nurturing your potential.
Words Are the Colours Painted on The Canvas of The Heart
Even though compliments are a powerful force for positive good, we too often deprive ourselves of the pleasure of giving a compliment by hesitating, the moment goes by, and then it's too late. Or perhaps we are so used to a quality in the other person that we don't bother to acknowledge it.
When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them. It may take seconds to say, but for the person hearing it, it could last a lifetime.
What’s more, compliments are a two-way gift because they benefit both the receiver and the giver.
The Art of the Compliment
The art of the compliment is to find beauty in the ordinary. Even a poorly expressed compliment can elevate the spirits of those around you – just think of those “Daily Odd Compliment” memes. To be an ace at compliment-giving takes the effort to notice the positive in others, and craft compliments that are authentic and carefully thought out. Follow our recipe below.
Recipe for a Meaningful Compliment
- Be positive.
- Be truthful – make sure you believe what you say.
- Be as specific as possible.
- Think about what you admire about the person.
- Consider the person’s strengths and talents.
- Instead of focusing only on the physical, consider these compliments:
artistic brave cheerful compassionate confident considerate considerate cooperative courageous creative determined easy-going encouraging energetic enthusiastic flexible friendly generous hard-working helpful honest humorous imaginative independent insightful intelligent kind loving motivated observance open-minded optimistic organised outgoing patient playful reasonable reliable responsible selfish sensitive supportive thoughtful trustworthy understanding upbeat warm witty - Start your compliment with:
“I think you…” “You are…” “I like how you…” “I like the way you…” “Thank you for…” “You are good at…” “You were a good friend when…” “It was nice of you to…” “Good job with…” “You worked really hard at…”
What do you think of this example?
You are WEIRD – wonderful, exciting, interesting, real, different.
Remember to Compliment YOU
Complimenting yourself each morning while looking into a mirror can improve self-esteem.
Let’s Get Serious For a Minute
“The deeply worrying thing about catcalling is the cat caller must know that their target isn't going to turn around and fall into their arms saying, “Oh dear, please have sex with me right here and now.” They know that, and they don't do it for that. A man who shouts, “Nice tits!” from a van isn't trying to get a date. He is trying to humiliate, reinforce his dominance. It's an exercise of male power - a way of communicating, “I can say and do whatever I want to you, no matter how inappropriate or how uncomfortable it makes you feel, and you can't do anything about it.” Catcalling is not a compliment - it's a threat.”
Dux
For the most people, it never gets old to receive an authentic compliment. You will be surprised how far you can get just by making others feel good and appreciated. It's a great skill to learn to do well and a wonderful trait to be remembered for.
Get your Dux in a row. Contact us today to join the elite group of students are receiving so much more than just an academic education. Become a well-rounded individual with a flair for giving sincere compliments.
“Dux dʌks noun
The top pupil in a school or class.”
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