When something fabulous happens to a friend, family member or colleague, congratulations are a must! But sometimes it's not easy to find the right words and know what gestures to do to prove your sincerity. As long as you express genuine enthusiasm for the person's luck, your congratulations will be welcome. Read this article to find some good ideas to take advantage of when it's time to congratulate someone on their success.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Congratulate Someone in Person
Step 1. Talk about success right away
Don't mince words when there is something to celebrate! Immediately mention why congratulations are in order. If you want, you can tell the person how you found out about the news. In this way you will set the right tone, it will be easier to say the right words and share the enthusiasm of the person concerned. Here are some examples on how to raise the topic:
- Craig, I heard you got engaged! Great news, congratulations!
- Celine, your father told me that you are the player who has scored the most points on your team this season.
- Lola, I just saw your post on Facebook. I am so happy to know that you are expecting a baby!
- Marcus, we just heard the news of your promotion to senior manager.
Step 2. Say “congratulations” with a smile
After talking about success, express your congratulations with a big smile. The facial expression is very important, because if you congratulate a straight face, the person will think that you are not too happy for them.
- If you are congratulating a friend or relative, you can also hug him.
- If you are worried that your expression is not what you want, practice in the mirror at home before meeting the person concerned.
- The tone of voice also matters. When you say "congratulations" you have to sound enthusiastic, not flat.
Step 3. Express your feelings about it
If appropriate, after you congratulate yourself, you may want to say how this person's success makes you feel. For example, you could say that you enjoyed seeing her work towards her goal day after day, or you could simply say "I'm happy for you." Be as expressive as you want, bearing in mind that your tone of voice will make a real difference.
- After the congratulations you could ask a few questions about the achievement in question. For example, if a friend of yours is pregnant, you might ask her when she will give birth or if you can do something to help her in the following months.
- If congratulations are about the business environment, especially if it's from your boss or a manager, it's best to be more discreet after expressing them. Be consistent with your context - if people are usually friendly and affectionate, you can say whatever you want. If, on the other hand, you work in a classic corporate environment, don't overdo it.
Step 4. Try to be honest
No matter why you're congratulating someone, make sure your words and gestures are as genuine as possible. Of course, there will be times when it will be necessary to congratulate someone you are not particularly happy with, and in those cases you will have to pretend as best you can. But remember that sooner or later you too will have your moment of glory, and there is nothing wrong with celebrating someone else and doing your best to give off positive vibes instead of harboring jealousy and resentment.
If you feel obligated to congratulate someone when you are not happy for them at all, it is best to send a note and not do it in person. You may not be able to control your facial expressions if you have the person directly in front of you, and he may feel disappointed, or wonder if you are jealous
Method 2 of 3: Give it your all
Step 1. Send an email or a note
In addition to congratulating in person, you could also send a note. You can write a simple email, a message on Facebook, or write two lines on the classic note that you buy at the stationery. Remember to include the basics - mention the goal achieved, the word "congratulations" and some happy feelings.
- This note is perfect for a relative: Dear Suzette, we have heard that you and George are expecting a baby this year. Congratulations! We are very excited because a new member is about to be added to the Comer clan! We can't wait to see you at the Halloween party and know how things are going. Love, Betty and Pete.
- If you are writing to a colleague, be a little more formal: Joan, I heard the great news of your promotion to Chief of Staff. Let me give you my sincere congratulations on your success. I am sure you will make some very positive changes in the company. I wish you the best, Ryan.
- To congratulate someone who is about to get married, it's okay to be a little dull: Tim and Mary, from the moment I saw you together it was evident that you are made for each other. You are a beautiful couple, and anyone who knows you can feel how much you love each other. Congratulations on the start of your journey together! I wish you many years of happiness. Love, Brenda.
Step 2. Send a gift
If the occasion is special enough to deserve a gift, something thoughtful and not too expensive will do just fine. Choose a gift that lets the person know you want to celebrate with them, and send it with a congratulatory card.
- You can't go wrong with flowers, whether it's a professional milestone or a personal historical moment.
- Food is also usually welcome. Choose something everyone likes, like chocolate or fresh fruit.
- A bottle of quality wine or liquor might be a good choice.
- For a diploma or degree, a small amount of money will be greatly appreciated.
Step 3. Spread the word
You can help spread the word of joy for the person concerned by telling other people the good news, in ways that they too can congratulate. Write a themed post on Facebook, or have everyone in the office sign a note. Before you spread the word, however, make sure you can! Some people prefer to keep the good news to themselves until they are ready to share it with others.
Step 4. Organize a party
If your best friend has been admitted to her dream faculty, or your co-worker is going to greener pastures, throwing a congratulatory party is the best way to show how much you care. It doesn't have to be an epic party - you could throw a restaurant dinner after work, or invite everyone over to your house for a pizza. The person concerned will never forget your kind gesture!
Method 3 of 3: Manage Unique Scenarios
Step 1. Congratulate someone on a career achievement
In the workplace, there will be plenty of opportunities to congratulate colleagues on a promotion or a new job. Remember to keep company policies in mind when choosing how to congratulate someone in the office. Don't be too expansive in a formal setting - be professional. Here are some great ways to congratulate someone at work:
- Congratulate in person, with a sincere smile.
- Write a short, professional congratulatory card.
- If you are comfortable with the person, offer them a drink or bring sweets to the office to celebrate the milestone all together.
Step 2. Share your enthusiasm with someone about to get married
When you congratulate someone who just got engaged or married, show some enthusiasm for them! Call them or write a post on Facebook to wish them years and years of happiness. If they are your close friends, something more is a must:
- Send a congratulatory note to the couple.
- Send a small gift, such as flowers or a bottle of wine.
- If it's a colleague, have everyone sign notes for them.
- You could organize a stag / hen party if it is someone very close to you.
Step 3. Congratulate someone about to have a baby
A baby on the way is another important occasion that must be celebrated with a sincere smile and a hug. If your friend, relative or colleague has announced that she is pregnant, in addition to congratulating yourself in person, you could:
- Send a ticket. It is a custom, so you will have a lot of choice in stationery.
- Send a gift. If you feel like it, you could send a small gift for the unborn baby.
- Organize a party. If you are close to the person concerned, you may be the right person to organize a baby shower.
Step 4. Congratulate someone who has been through a difficult time
If you notice that someone has gone through a very difficult time on a personal level, you may want to show your encouragement and affection by congratulating them. For example, maybe a friend of yours just finished a course of chemotherapy and found her cancer is in remission, or your aunt graduated after many years of hard work. Try to figure out which gestures are best suited to the situation.
- Sending a loving note is always a good idea - especially when the person isn't expecting to receive it.
- Taking the person out for dinner or a drink is a good way to celebrate a personal milestone.
