Praise

“Praise means telling someone you notice and appreciate the good things they do. It’s a way to encourage and celebrate their effort, skills, or kindness. Giving and receiving praise helps people feel confident and motivated.”
— Can Do Kiwis

How to give praise that really matters

Giving praise is more than just saying “good job.” Here’s how to make your compliments count:

  • Be specific
    Instead of “Nice work,” say “You did a great job explaining your ideas clearly.”

  • Be sincere
    Only praise what you truly mean. People can tell when you’re being real.

  • Say it soon
    Don’t wait—tell someone you appreciate them right after they do something great.

  • Notice effort, not just results
    Praise the hard work and progress, not just the final outcome.

  • Praise in public, correct in private
    Compliment friends or teammates in front of others to boost their confidence, but give feedback privately.

  • Encourage more
    Link your praise to future success, like “You nailed that project—I can’t wait to see what you do next!”

Giving good praise helps people feel valued and motivated. Who can you praise today?