““ On Paying Compliments Compliments, appropriately timed, allow you to develop a greater sense of rapport with your interactive partner. Most people want to feel special and appreciated. Effective compliments focus on the following areas: the person’s behavior, appearance, possessions, or performance. Be sure you are sincere in expressing your approval. Smile. Be specific, saying exactly what you like; make it unique to that person. Use the person’s name, and follow up with a question. “You’re a great dancer, Bill. How did you learn to dance so well?” When receiving compliments, don’t try to downplay what is being expressed. This makes the person paying the compliment feel unappreciated. Instead, look the person in the eye and respond positively: Smile, and say thank you. You can even say how you feel about the compliment (“That’s sweet of you to say,” or “I’m glad to know my dance classes paid off”). There is no need, however, to return the same compliment to the person who just gave you one.””
