How to Be Nicer: Practicing Active Listening, Asking for Opinions, Speaking Kindly & Offering Compliments

Introduction

Being nice is a simple but powerful way to make a positive difference in the world. But what does it mean to be “nice”? According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, niceness is defined as “having or showing a kind, gentle, and pleasant nature.” It’s important to be nice in everyday life, as it can have a lasting effect on the people around us. In fact, a study published in the journal Nature Human Behavior found that “nice guys finish first,” as those who are kind and cooperative are more likely to achieve their goals than those who are selfish and unkind.

Practice Active Listening

One of the best ways to be nicer is to practice active listening. Active listening is a communication technique that involves paying close attention to the speaker, fully understanding their message, and providing thoughtful feedback. This technique can help build meaningful connections with others and make them feel heard and appreciated. Additionally, research from the University of Michigan found that active listening can even reduce stress levels in both the listener and the speaker.

When practicing active listening, it’s important to resist the urge to interrupt and instead focus on understanding the speaker’s point of view. You should also avoid making assumptions about what the speaker is saying and instead wait until they have finished talking before responding. Finally, try to provide positive feedback throughout the conversation to ensure that the speaker feels supported.

Ask for Opinions

Asking for opinions is another great way to show people that you value their ideas and opinions. Showing genuine interest in what others have to say can make them feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, research from the Journal of Social Psychology found that feeling valued can lead to increased motivation and productivity.

When asking for opinions, it’s important to be specific and open-ended. For example, instead of asking someone “Do you like this idea?” you could ask “What do you think of this idea and how could we improve it?” This type of question encourages the speaker to share their thoughts and feelings without feeling judged or criticized.

Be Aware of How You Talk to Others

The words you choose and how you deliver them can have a big impact on how others perceive you. Research from the journal PLOS One found that using polite language can significantly reduce the likelihood of conflict and increase the possibility of cooperation. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of how you talk to others and choose your words carefully.

When speaking to others, it’s important to use positive language and avoid negative or confrontational language. You should also try to avoid making assumptions and instead focus on understanding the other person’s point of view. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of your body language and facial expressions as these can often convey more than words alone.

Offer Compliments

Complimenting others is another great way to be nicer. Compliments can brighten someone’s day and make them feel appreciated and valued. Research from the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that receiving compliments can even boost self-esteem and confidence.

When offering compliments, it’s important to be sincere and specific. For example, instead of simply saying “you look nice today” you could say “that dress looks great on you.” Additionally, it’s important to avoid making comparisons to others as this can make the recipient feel uncomfortable. Finally, try to offer compliments often and in various situations as this can help to strengthen relationships.

Perform Random Acts of Kindness

Performing random acts of kindness is another great way to be nicer. Random acts of kindness can have a positive effect on both the giver and the receiver. Research from the journal BMC Public Health found that performing random acts of kindness can increase overall wellbeing and reduce stress levels. Additionally, random acts of kindness can help to increase empathy and compassion.

When performing random acts of kindness, it’s important to be creative and think outside the box. Examples of random acts of kindness could include buying someone a coffee, leaving a kind note on someone’s desk, or helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries. Additionally, it’s important to remember that small gestures can often have the biggest impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being nice is a simple but powerful way to make a positive difference in the world. There are many simple ways to be nicer, such as practicing active listening, asking for opinions, speaking kindly, offering compliments, and performing random acts of kindness. By incorporating these techniques into your everyday life, you can make a lasting impact on the people around you.