This time of year calls up many festive celebrations with ample opportunities to sing someone’s praises!
Now here’s an amazing fact: You get more bang for your buck by singing someone’s praises than by soothing their bruises! -Dr. Shelly Gable, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Praise, positive reinforcement, the congratulations: “Good job, way to go, hurrah!”… touches upon a basis human need for acknowledgement and appreciation.
Margaret Shepherd reminds us that “Words on paper make the best pat on the back.” Congratulations in a handwritten letter is a bonafide keepsake. It can be read and reread, saved and even framed!
The personal letter of congratulations adds something unique to any occasion for celebration- be it a birth, graduation, marriage, retirement, scholastic or athletic achievement. “Take time to praise achievement with words rather than prizes. Whatever the milestone, don’t let it pass without writing a personal letter.” (M.S.)
Craft your congratulations to match the individual’s personality and the occasion. “Festive, bright, elegant or formal. Adult or child.” Choose appropriate stationery or a greeting card to showcase your praise. Some office supply stores even sell bordered certificates of appreciation and achievement. These frame-worthy, official looking documents are fun and encouraging to both children and adults.
Tips for the right words…
Stay upbeat. Put yourself in the backseat. Don’t say: “I’m jealous or envious.”Remember this is his/her achievement. It is not about you.
Praise the effort leading up to, the happy moment, and a bright future. Use phrases such as: “You will…I will…It will.”
Say: “Well done, great job, hurray.”
Back up your “Congratulations” with a memory of the early stages, an “overheard compliment,” or an extra incite. Make your praise personal.
Finally, close with a reminder of how much you value the relationship. End on a positive note: “Bravo, brava, cheers…with fondness.”
Other ideas….
If you are crafts-y, you may want to create your own card by incorporating photos and related memorabilia to enhance your words. For example, you could create a collage around a ticket to a game where your child excelled. Include newspaper clippings. Add the school colors…your efforts will amplify your praise. Have fun. You are acknowledging someone’s peak experience.
ragandbone.com offers small accordion booklets you can create a mini album to preserve the event.
baudville.com features an entire company devoted to praise and appreciation.
