With a newly prepared menu of fascinating topics, a group of friendly strangers will satisfy their hunger for quality conversation. Free and open to adults at the Sahara West Library in Las Vegas, 3:30-5:30 p.m. A great way to meet new people and share ideas and viewpoints. I'll host this gathering, and if you're in town, please postpone all other forms of recreation to attend.

( For those many subscribers from abroad and throughout North America who have inquired about a kit of materials and a manual for how to promote and host such an event, I'll announce those next week.)

Some folks are stingy with compliments, while others are lavish.

The better path is moderation. Offer too few, you appear ungenerous Offer too many, you may look insincere.

If you always say "yes," you cheapen its meaning. If you constantly give compliments, you diminish their power. So compliment selectively and sincerely.

Try these ways:

Be specific instead of general: "Your column's lede was so clever it grabbed my interest immediately" instead of "I really liked your column today."

Describe how the person affected you: "When you phoned me with support, you lifted my spirits" works better than "I appreciated your phone call."

For those persons who deflect compliments, add a tag question , such as "Your new blouse is really stunning, Sally. Where did you find it?" (Now she can't respond with "Oh, this old thing." because she's busy answering your question.)

When your compliment language is fresh and specific instead of ho-hum routine, you'll convey your meaning more powerfully.

Until next week,

Loren

Loren Ekroth ©2011, all rights reserved

Loren Ekroth, Ph.D. is a specialist in human communication and a national expert on conversation for business and social life.