06 February 2025

The Secret to Giving Compliments That Stand Out

Compliments are like currency — when you give them right, they carry value. But here's the catch: giving a generic “You look nice” or “You’re pretty cool” is like handing out Monopoly money. They don’t stick, they don’t resonate, and they definitely don’t leave a lasting impression.

If you want your compliments to actually stand out and make people remember you, you’ve got to do better than basic flattery. You need to be specific, thoughtful, and a little unexpected. Ready to elevate your compliment game? Let’s dive in.

1. Be Specific (Forget the Generic Stuff)

If you want your compliment to stick, skip the standard “You’re so pretty” or “You look great.” Sure, those are nice, but they’re so played out. Instead, focus on something specific. What exactly makes that person stand out? Is it their smile? The way they carry themselves? A unique accessory they’re wearing?

Instead of saying, “You’re beautiful,” say, “Your smile completely lights up the room,” or “I love how your energy just draws people in.” Complimenting something specific makes your words feel more personal, more genuine, and far more memorable.

2. Compliment Personality, Not Just Looks

Sure, everyone loves a good “You look amazing,” but what really leaves a lasting impression? Complimenting someone's personality, character, or actions. Compliment the way they make others feel, how thoughtful they are, or the energy they bring to a room. It’s those deeper compliments that make people feel seen for who they are, not just for how they look.

For example:

• “I really admire how you make people feel so at ease when they’re around you.”

• “Your sense of humor is honestly one of the best parts about you — you’ve got the perfect balance of wit and warmth.”

• “I love how driven you are; it’s motivating to see someone so focused and passionate.”

These kinds of compliments show you’re paying attention to more than just the surface, which makes them feel more meaningful.

3. Avoid Overdoing It (Keep It Cool)

Let’s be real: too much of anything is just… well, too much. When you’re throwing compliments around like confetti, they lose their impact. Be strategic with your compliments. When you say something nice, make it count, but don’t overdo it.

If you’re constantly bombarding someone with compliments, they’ll start to feel fake or even awkward. Drop a well-timed, thoughtful compliment and move on. The less you give, the more weight each one will carry.

4. Compliment Effort, Not Just Outcome

Anyone can tell someone they’re amazing when they’ve just nailed something — but what about when they’ve been grinding and pushing themselves, even if the outcome wasn’t perfect? Complimenting someone’s effort shows you appreciate their determination, and that makes the compliment feel more sincere.

For example, say something like:

• “I’m really impressed with how hard you’ve been working on this project. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of effort into it.”

• “I love how dedicated you are to improving yourself. That’s something not many people have the patience for.”

This tells the person that you recognize their hustle, which is way more meaningful than just acknowledging their success.

5. Give Compliments That Challenge Them (Without Being Pushy)

A well-placed compliment can also challenge someone to keep being their best self. Rather than just telling someone they’re awesome, why not give them a compliment that pushes them to keep going, to level up, or to embrace their unique qualities?

For example:

• “You’ve got this natural ability to take charge in tough situations — you should really consider stepping up even more.”

• “You’ve got such a strong vision — I’d love to see you push that creativity even further.”

These kinds of compliments acknowledge the person’s strengths but also inspire them to keep growing and challenging themselves. It’s not just about flattery; it’s about encouragement.

6. Use Humor to Make It Stick

Let’s face it — everyone loves a good laugh. Humor is one of the best ways to make a compliment stand out and actually make the other person feel good about themselves. Complimenting someone with a bit of humor shows you’re not taking yourself too seriously and that you appreciate their quirks in a fun way.

For example:

• “You’ve got the kind of style that makes everyone else look like they’re in pajamas — it’s seriously impressive.”

• “I don’t know how you do it, but you’re somehow always the most interesting person in the room. I think you’re secretly a wizard.”

Humor lightens the mood and makes your compliment feel less forced and more genuine. Plus, who doesn’t want to be remembered as the person who made them laugh?

7. Be Timely (Don’t Wait for the “Perfect Moment”)

Timing is everything. Complimenting someone in the moment makes your words feel more relevant and impactful. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to give a compliment. If you see something worth praising, say it then and there. A compliment given in real time feels more genuine and spontaneous than one that’s dragged out.

Instead of waiting until the end of the night to say, “You were amazing tonight,” why not say it during the event? “I love how you handled that situation — you’ve got serious skills.”

Being timely makes the compliment feel more authentic and less rehearsed.

8. Be Authentic — No One Likes Fake Compliments

The most important rule? Be real. Compliments that sound forced, over-the-top, or insincere come across like you’re just trying to get something in return. People can tell when you’re not being authentic, and it’s a turnoff.

Instead, make sure your compliments come from a genuine place. If you don’t believe what you’re saying, don’t say it. People are way more likely to remember a compliment that felt true than one that felt like you were just trying to score points.

Final Thoughts: Make Compliments Count

If you want to give compliments that actually stand out, it’s all about quality over quantity. Be specific, be genuine, and make them meaningful. When you give a compliment that actually makes someone feel seen and appreciated for who they truly are, that’s when it sticks.

So, stop with the generic “You’re awesome” and “You look good” lines. Next time, go deeper, get personal, and make the compliment feel like it came straight from the heart. You’ll leave an impression that lasts way longer than any cookie-cutter flattery.