Receiving a compliment can brighten anyone’s day and it’s always important to express gratitude. Whether in a formal or informal setting, knowing how to respond graciously is an essential social skill. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say thanks for a compliment, including both formal and informal expressions. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Thanks
When receiving a compliment in a formal setting, such as a professional environment or formal event, it’s important to respond with an appropriate level of professionalism and gratitude. Here are some formal ways to express thanks for a compliment:
“Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words.”
This response is simple, sincere, and respectful. It shows appreciation without being overly familiar or casual. It works well in most formal situations as it maintains a polite tone.
“I’m really grateful for your compliment. It means a lot to me.”
By expressing gratitude and acknowledging the significance of the compliment, this response demonstrates your professionalism and shows that you value the opinion of the person who gave the compliment.
Informal Ways to Say Thanks
Informal situations, such as among friends or family, allow for a more relaxed and casual response. Here are a few informal ways to say thanks for a compliment:
“Aw, thanks! It made my day!”
This response conveys genuine gratitude and delight. It’s perfect for close friends or family members who you feel comfortable with and interact with casually.
“Wow, I really wasn’t expecting that compliment! Thanks a lot!”
By expressing surprise and appreciation, this response shows sincerity and genuine gratitude. It works well in informal settings where you can be more expressive.
Tips for Responding to Compliments
While the above examples provide a great starting point, here are some additional tips to keep in mind when responding to compliments:
1. Be gracious
Regardless of the setting, always respond to compliments with grace and appreciation. Let the person know that their words were meaningful to you.
2. Smile and maintain eye contact
When someone compliments you, it’s important to acknowledge them with a warm smile and maintain eye contact. This shows that you are engaged and value their opinion.
3. Offer a compliment in return
Consider reciprocating the kind gesture by offering a genuine compliment in return. This not only shows your appreciation but also helps strengthen social bonds.
4. Be specific in your response
Try to address the specific aspect of the compliment that touched you. This shows that you are paying attention to the person’s words and genuinely value their opinion.
5. Avoid deflecting or diminishing the compliment
Sometimes, in an attempt to be humble, people deflect compliments or downplay their achievements. While humility is important, avoid completely deflecting the compliment as it may make the other person feel less valued.
Examples:
- Formal Example: Colleague complimenting your presentation skills:
You: “Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words. It means a lot to me that you found my presentation impactful.” - Informal Example: Friend complimenting your outfit:
You: “Aw, thanks! I love this outfit too, and knowing that you noticed makes me feel great!” - Formal Example: Boss complimenting your teamwork:
You: “I’m really grateful for your compliment. Your recognition of my teamwork skills encourages me to continue giving my best to the team.” - Informal Example: Sibling complimenting your cooking:
You: “Wow, I really wasn’t expecting that compliment! Thanks a lot! And you’re an amazing cook too!” - Formal Example: Client complimenting your customer service:
You: “Thank you so much for your kind words. Providing exceptional customer service is important to me, and your compliment means a lot.”
Remember, receiving a compliment is a wonderful thing, so responding with gratitude and sincerity is essential. Whether in formal or informal settings, embrace the positive energy and let people know how much you appreciate their kind words. Happy complementing!
