Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~ Mark Twain

A simple thank you can have a tremendous impact when delivered properly.  Showing appreciation in a meaningful way lets the recipient know that you truly value their effort.  Of course, this will make you stick in their mind and will also lead to a better relationship.  When people feel that you really appreciate what they do, then they are more likely to go the extra mile for you when you need them most.  Saying, “Thank you”, isn’t difficult, but these tips will help you communicate it so that it means more.

1.  Be specific about what you are thanking them for.

Don’t just say thank you and leave it at that.  Specifically state exactly what you are thanking them for.  I think this is the most important advice I can offer on making your thank you count.  Often, in emails, people put “Thanks!” or “Thank you” as a closing in their signature block.  Instead of being generic, tell the person exactly what you appreciate.  It can be as simple as, “Thanks for contacting me!”  or “Thanks for all your effort on this project”.  Being specific will add impact to your show of appreciation.

2.  Use handwritten thank you notes.

Instead of sending an e-mail or letter, try sending a handwritten thank you note.  It adds a personal touch and lets the recipient know that you personally took the time to acknowledge their effort.  You don’t have to write a book.  All you need to do is write a quick note specifically stating what you enjoyed.

3.  Tell them thank you publicly.

Showing your appreciation for another person’s effort in a more public arena can add impact.  When you say thank you in front of other people, then you let everyone know of the good job.  This is effective at work and at home.  Your spouse would probably love to be praised in front of their family.  Just make sure the audience is appropriate for the appreciation being shown!

4.  Accompany your thank you with a personal gift.

Include a gift that you know the recipient will particularly appreciate to add impact to your thank you.  Of course, this requires that you know a little something about the person.  The more specific you can make the gift to that person’s individual taste, the more impact it will have.  If you aren’t close, then call someone that knows them better to determine what to send.  Of course, you shouldn’t just send a gift.  Any gift should be accompanied with a specific note of thanks.

5.  Include physical contact with your thank you.

Touching the person, shaking their hand, or giving them a hug when you say thanks is another excellent way to add meaning.  Of course, the contact needs to be appropriate to the relationship.  If you hug your secretary for the great job she did on her last job assignment, it could send the wrong signals to everyone.  However, shaking her hand or putting your hand on her shoulder when you deliver such a message will add emphasis.

6.  Make it a party!

For the really big events, you might want to throw a party to say thanks.  This gives everyone a chance to thank and congratulate the person involved for a job well done.  Parties should probably be reserved for the really special occasions, but when your team member saves the day or closes the million dollar deal, then you certainly don’t want the opportunity to say thank you in a big way to slip by.  Let everyone help celebrate!

7.  Copy the boss on your thank you.

Everyone likes for their boss to hear what a good job they are doing.  E-mails are the easiest way to do this, but if you send a letter or handwritten note, then send a copy to the person’s boss.  Trust me, they will notice that you went to the extra effort to let their boss know that you appreciated them.

8.  Smile!

Remember, non-verbal body language often counts more than what is actually said.  Be sure to smile broadly when delivering your thank you in-person.  A great smile will help to ensure your message is received warmly and as intended.  In addition, you should read 25 Acts of Body Language to Avoid to prevent communicating the wrong message. 

9.  Say thanks sooner rather than later.

By procrastinating, you diminish the impact of saying thanks.  The recipient will think that it must not have mattered much to you if you take too long to respond.  The more immediate the thank you, the more impact it will have.  This is especially true when sending a thank you note after an interview.  By the way, never forget to do this!

10.  Use nice cards or stationary.

People notice the paper or card that you use to send thank you notes.  Keep some good stuff handy so you can get the the thank you out fast.  A nice quality card or piece of stationary communicates the high value you place on the relationship.  However, don’t go overboard because if the cost is too high, then you might be reluctant to say thank you often enough.

Say thank you loud and proud with these tips!

Never stop telling people thank you!  If you use these tips wisely, people will know that you appreciate them and they will continue putting out their top effort for you.  I think most of us fail to say thank you often enough and when we do it sometimes lacks impact.  By implementing these tips, you will be ahead of the crowd.

How do you say thanks with impact?

Photo by grilled cheese