There are many reasons to say "thank you". You may want to thank someone for giving you a gift, a favor, or for having a positive influence on your life. Whatever the reason you want to say this, you should be honest and let the other person know that you are really grateful to them. Whether you want to do it in person, over the phone, or in writing, here are some simple steps to give thanks in the most appropriate way.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Say Thank You in Person
Step 1. Be honest
The most important part to consider when saying "thank you" to someone in person is to be sincere. The person you thank must have the feeling that you are doing it "for real", and not as a compromise. Here's how to do it right:
- Use a tone of voice that expresses sincerity. Don't say "thank you" as if someone told you to. Speak the words clearly and use a firm tone; make it clear to those in front of you that your intention is completely sincere. Do not stammer or stammer the words in a low voice.
- Use honest words. Make it clear to those in front of you that your "thank you" has a special meaning for you. Don't just say "thank you", but specify well why you are thanking; for example: "Thanks for your help. I don't know how I would have solved the problem without your support."
- Be honest. Being honest is closely related to being honest; then, open up to the other person and really express what you feel. Try saying, "I don't know what I would have done without you," but only if you really mean it.
Step 2. Feel grateful
To say thank you in person, make sure you are truly grateful for what the other person has done for you. Let her know that her gesture has had an impact on you, big or small. A thank you never arises from a feeling of "obligation" towards the other party, but from the feeling that a certain gesture or behavior has made a difference. Here's how to best express gratitude:
- Be specific. Don't limit yourself to "thank you", but specify why you are saying it: "Thank you for taking the time to accompany me to buy the dress for my party. If I hadn't been there you would never have been able to buy it and I would not have been able to. imagine not wearing it on this occasion."
- Let the other person know that you are aware of their sacrifice. Whether this sacrifice is large or small, always try to show appreciation for the effort the other person is making for you. Say, "Thank you for inviting me home last night when I was sick. I know you've been very busy lately; so I really appreciate you taking some time for me."
- Show your gratitude for the benefits the other person's gesture has brought to your life. If you have been given a nice book for your birthday, tell the person that you have read it and that you loved it.
Step 3. Use body language
Body language can help you show gratitude. If your body shows no signs of appreciation, your words will have much less meaning. Here are some tips on this:
- Maintain eye contact with the person you're thanking. Look her in the eye and pay attention to her. Let her see with your eyes that you really feel grateful for what she has done for you.
- Turn your body towards the person you are thanking. Keep your arms outstretched. Don't leave your arms at your sides; this position gives an impression of discomfort, which may make the person in question think that you are not entirely comfortable thanking them, or that at that moment you would rather be "somewhere else".
- Make light physical contact if you feel it is appropriate. Although not indicated, in case you are not confident enough with the person you are thanking; in the case of a member of your family, or a friend, a light physical contact on the arm, or shoulder, or even a hug, can make a huge difference.
- Show your emotions. If a person has made a big impact in your life, even though you don't need to cry, showing emotion in your gaze can more easily convey the great feeling of gratitude you feel for the help you have received.
Method 2 of 3: Say Thank You on the Phone
Step 1. Say thank you during a phone call
Whether it's a friend, a colleague, or a simple acquaintance, sometimes saying thank you over the phone can be a little more complicated because it's harder to show your emotions without making eye contact. However, giving thanks on a call can be simple if you follow these tips:
- Spell the words clearly. Sometimes, communication over the phone can be more complicated; try to spell the words well, speak slowly and make sure the other person can hear you clearly.
- Pay attention to the other person completely during the call. While it's easy to get lost doing other things while on the phone, make sure you only call the other person when you can pay full attention to them. Avoid doing this while driving, cleaning your house, or watering your plants. You know well that the call will last a few minutes; therefore, dedicate them exclusively to the person you want to thank.
- Call at the right time. Make sure you call when the other person is likely not busy; avoid calling too early in the morning, or too late in the evening. If the person in question lives far away, pay particular attention to a possible time zone.
- Use the most appropriate body language. While it may seem like a silly observation (after all, the other person cannot see you), the position of your body and the gestures you make can help you emphasize your feelings more through your voice. If you call when you are lying down, or while your hands are full, it will be more difficult to give the right tone of gratitude to your voice.
- Know your interlocutor. If the other party is a family member or friend, it is easier to be open and honest. If you are calling a stranger (for example an HR manager, to thank him for inviting you to an interview), still pay attention to him, speak clearly, use body language and limit the time of the call as much as possible. Calling by phone does not justify being verbose or wandering without a specific purpose; if you call for professional matters, stay professional.
Step 2. Say thank you with a text message
Sometimes saying thank you with a message can be more effective than doing it over the phone. If you want to thank someone for a great day together, or for any other reason of limited importance, try not to waste time on the phone, and use a short, clear text message.
- Be honest when writing the message. You could write a message like, "Hey! Thanks for helping me fix the house after the party. You really are a friend!"
- Use the name of the person in question. Even if you are writing a message, start it with a: "Thank you, Luca!"; make it truly personalized.
- Don't overdo the enthusiasm. There is no need to add a million exclamation points to the end of a sentence to show that "thank you" is sincere. In reverse; exaggerating in this way can reveal an excessive "effort" that would suggest falsehood.
- Pay attention to your words. While an SMS is easier to send, try to be careful with punctuation and grammar. Let the other person know that you have taken the time to write correctly, and that you have not done it in a rush.
Method 3 of 3: Say Thank You in Writing
Step 1. Say thank you in a card
Thank you cards are a bit of an outdated way to say "thank you," and you need to know exactly what to write. They can be a good method when it comes to thanking a professor, or a guest who gave you a gift (for example for your wedding). Here are some suggestions:
- Again try to always be honest.
- If you're thanking a professor at the end of the school year, let him know that his hard work has made you a better person, both academically and personally.
- If you write a thank-you letter for a guest at your wedding, party, or social event, personalize it using the person's name, or refer to the gift that the person gave you on that occasion. In this way the "thank you" will be perceived in a more direct and sincere way.
- Choose a card that has meaning. If you really want to say thank you, choose a card that expresses what you feel as much as possible. Don't leave the choice to chance.
- Send the thank you note as soon as possible. If you want to say thank you, don't delay. If you say thank you months later, you may feel like you did it because you felt obligated.
Step 2. Say thank you in an email
Email is a less formal method than a thank you card, but it must still show your feelings: sincerity, clarity, honesty! Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Be direct. Write "Thank you" in the subject of the email.
- Go to the person with a "Dear …" and sign with a "Sincerely …". Even if it is an email, you should follow the formal rules of a written letter to show that you have taken the time to write it.
- Choose the most appropriate words. The person receiving the email must understand that it took you some effort to find the right words to show your feelings.
- Show the benefits that the other person's gesture has brought to you. For example, if someone gave you a shirt, send them a photo of your wearing it. If you have been given money as a gift, take a picture of whatever you bought with it.
Advice
- Don't overwhelm the person. Showing how grateful you are is important, but try not to overdo your thanks; stay in control and try not to get to a point where the situation can be uncomfortable for both of you.
- Remember to smile! It will help you to show sincere gratitude.
