How to Respond to Compliments with Confidence 👇

Advanced Level | May 16, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Have you ever received a compliment at work and didn’t know how to respond?
Maybe someone said, “Great job on that report!” and you awkwardly replied, “Oh, it was nothing.”

For many professionals, especially those learning English, responding to compliments can feel tricky. You want to sound humble, but also confident. You want to say thank you, but not overdo it. Today, let’s explore how to respond to compliments in a way that builds connection, shows confidence, and keeps the conversation going.

Why It Matters

In professional settings, how you respond to praise affects how others see you. If you brush off a compliment, it might seem like you don’t value your own work. If you boast too much, it can come off as arrogant. The sweet spot? Be gracious, confident, and conversational.

Here’s the good news: There are simple ways to respond that sound natural and professional.

Try These Responses

1. Simple Thank You + Detail

“Thank you! I spent extra time on that section because I wanted the numbers to be really clear.”

This response is humble, adds value, and invites further discussion.

2. Credit the Team

“Thanks! It was a team effort, and I’m really proud of how we pulled it off together.”

This shows leadership and collaboration, which are always appreciated in professional spaces.

3. Reflect the Compliment Back

“That means a lot coming from you. I’ve always admired how clearly you present your data.”

This creates mutual respect and deepens the relationship.

4. Highlight What You Learned

“Thanks! I learned a lot from that experience, especially about how to simplify complex data.”

This makes you sound thoughtful and growth-minded.

5. Use Humor (When Appropriate)

“Thanks! I was just hoping it made sense to someone besides me!”

In a friendly team environment, a touch of humor can show humility and build rapport.

When in Doubt: Keep It Short

If you’re nervous, a simple “Thank you. I appreciate that” is always a good choice. It’s polite, professional, and gives you time to think of a follow-up if needed.

Vocabulary List

Compliment (noun) — A positive comment about someone’s work or appearance.
Example: She gave me a compliment on my presentation.
Humble (adjective) — Not bragging about your success.
Example: He stayed humble even after his big promotion.
Gracious (adjective) — Kind and polite, especially in response to praise.
Example: She was gracious when accepting the award.
Arrogant (adjective) — Thinking too highly of yourself in a rude way.
Example: He sounded arrogant when he said no one else could have done it better.
Boast (verb) — To talk with pride about what you’ve done.
Example: He boasted about closing the deal in one day.
Team effort (noun phrase) — A job or goal completed with a group.
Example: Launching the new product was a team effort.
Reflect (verb) — To send something back, like a compliment or idea.
Example: She reflected the compliment back with a kind word of her own.
Rapport (noun) — A friendly, trusting relationship.
Example: They have great rapport with their clients.
Professional setting (noun phrase) — A workplace or formal environment.
Example: In a professional setting, clear communication is key.
Follow-up (noun) — Something done after a first action to continue it.
Example: He sent a follow-up email after the meeting.

5 Questions About the Article

Why is it important to respond well to compliments at work?
What can happen if you brush off a compliment?
What does it mean to reflect a compliment back?
Which response shows a focus on teamwork?
What is one polite response you can use if you feel nervous?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

How do you usually respond to compliments?
Have you ever felt awkward after receiving praise? What happened?
Which of the responses from the article feels most natural to you?
How do people in your culture typically respond to compliments?
What kind of compliment means the most to you?

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