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iSpeaktu

Lesson 28

Complimenting Colleagues
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B1

Learning Objectives

 By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:​​

    Give professional compliments to colleagues politely and naturally to build positive relationships.
Exercise 1
Situation

Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson 

Alex notices that Sarah did an excellent job preparing a presentation for an important client. He wants to give her genuine praise without overdoing it. At the same time, Omar completed a task quickly, and Alex wants to recognize his effort to motivate him. Alex learns how to compliment colleagues in a professional, natural way that strengthens workplace relationships and encourages collaboration.

Exercise 2

Vocabulary

Direction:  Listen and repeat after your tutor

Exceptional

adjective

/ɪkˈsɛpʃənl/
Meaning:

Very good; outstanding.

    Sarah delivered an exceptional presentation today.

Hats off to

idiom

/hæts ɒf tu/
Meaning:

To give someone respect or praise for something they did.

    Hats off to Omar for finishing the report ahead of schedule.

Shout out

phrasal verb

/ʃaʊt aʊt/
Meaning:

To publicly recognize or praise someone.

    Alex gave a shout out to Sarah during the team meeting.

Well done

phrase

IPA
Meaning:

A simple way to say someone did a good job.

    Well done on completing the project so efficiently.
Exercise 3

Office Conversation 

Direction:  Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.

Situation:

Anna introduces herself to a new colleague at work.

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Sarah, your presentation was exceptional!

Alex

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Thanks, Alex! I appreciate that.

Sarah

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Hats off to you for preparing all the details so thoroughly.

Alex

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That means a lot. I wanted to make sure the client was impressed.

Sarah

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Omar, a shout out to you as well—you finished the report so quickly.

Alex

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Thanks! I’m glad it helped the team.

Omar

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Well done, both of you. Your hard work really shows.

Alex

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It’s great to get positive feedback.

Sarah

Check Understanding

Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation. 

1. What does Alex call Sarah’s presentation?
2. Who finished the report quickly?
3. What does 'hats off to' mean in the conversation?

Exercise 4

Study Guide

Direction:  Read the study manual aloud. 

Complimenting colleagues is an essential skill for building a positive work environment. A well-timed compliment can boost morale, increase motivation, and strengthen relationships. When complimenting, be sincere and specific. For example, instead of just saying “Good job,” you can say, “Your presentation was exceptional, and the details were clear.” Using phrases like “Well done,” “Hats off to you,” or giving a “shout out” in meetings helps highlight achievements publicly. Avoid overdoing it or being vague, as it can feel insincere. Recognize efforts both in private and in team settings, depending on the situation. Compliments should be genuine, timely, and relevant to the work. By praising colleagues professionally, you create a friendly and motivating workplace where everyone feels appreciated and encouraged to give their best.

Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer

Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.

    1. Alex said the presentation was ___.

    A. exceptional
    B. shout out
    C. hats off to

    2. Hats off to Omar means ___

    A. giving praise
    B. asking a question
    C. criticizing

    3. Alex gave a ___ to Sarah during the meeting.

    A. shout out
    B. report
    C. presentation

    4. ___ on finishing the project so quickly!

    A. Well done
    B. Hats off
    C. Exceptional

    5. Complimenting colleagues helps ___

    A. build positive relationships
    B. reduce work
    C. avoid meetings

    6. Alex recognized Omar’s effort ___.

    A. publicly and politely
    B. secretly
    C. aggressively

    7. “Exceptional” means ___

    A. outstanding
    B. ordinary
    C. late

    8. Compliments should be ___

    A. genuine
    B. vague
    C. exaggerated
Exercise 6
Discussion

Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.

    1. How do you compliment a colleague politely at work?

    2. When is the best time to give praise?

    3. What words or phrases do you use to compliment someone?

    4. How do you respond when someone compliments you?

    5. Where is it better to give public praise versus private praise?

    6. Why is recognizing colleagues’ efforts important?

    7. How can compliments improve teamwork?

    8. What’s the difference between a sincere and an insincere compliment?
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