"Great haircut!!" "Like that color on you." "Wonderful presentation."

Welcome to the land of compliments-the United States of America.

In business, in school, or in social life, Americans tend to shower compliments on each other- perhaps more than is done in other cultures. These upbeat positive comments act like softeners in any conversation with anyone-a boss, a colleague, a classmate, or a friend. Yes, compliments are like the chocolate sauce and whipped cream that make life so delicious. Plus, giving compliments simply makes you more likable.

So life might go a bit smoother for you here once you learn the art of the compliment. In fact, once you get the hang of it, you might find that you enjoy both complimenting and being complimented.

"But what if I have nothing to compliment another on?" asked an Italian and a Russian student when I urged them to sound a bit sweeter. "Isn't it phony to compliment-just a lie? "

"Not at all," I answered. "You just find something nice to say. You don't lie."

"But how does it work?" they asked.

Let's say the boss is about to start a meeting. She rarely starts right away with her agenda. Instead, she might say something like, "I want to tell you all once again how much I appreciate your hard work this month. It is because of your enthusiasm that we were able to achieve what we have achieved."

Why bother? you might ask.

Well, you make people feel good. And, as Mark Twain said, "I can live for two months off a good compliment." So get started today and see how you can master the art of the compliment.

Priscilla Karant specializes in teaching writing to the advanced international professional, academic English to graduate and undergraduate students, and speaking skills to the international professional.