What You Say About People Shapes Your Influence

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Want to know a simple habit that builds trust, strengthens your reputation, and makes people more likely to support you?

Practice saying good things about people.

Not flattery. Not performative compliments. Genuine recognition of what others do well.

This Matters More Than You Think

What you say about people when they’re not in the room:

• Shapes how others see them—and also how they see you.

• Signals confidence—because secure people elevate others instead of tearing them down.

• Builds influence—because when you consistently highlight value, people want to listen to you.

The way you talk about others reflects back on you.

If you’re known for noticing strengths, you become someone people respect and trust.

If you’re known for criticism, even if it’s justified, people assume you’ll do the same to them.

So…speak well of others!

But how do you actually do this in a way that feels natural?

I’ll admit, it’s easier said than done.

But you know I’ve got a framework for you.

The PRAISE Framework: How to Speak Well of Others Without It Feeling Forced

P - Pay attention
R - Reinforce strengths publicly
A - Align with facts
I - Introduce connections
S - Share wins behind closed doors
E - Express appreciation directly

Let’s get it:

Here's how to do this in a way that's authentic and impactful:

P – Pay attention

• Who is doing great work that's going unnoticed? Look beyond the usual suspects—often the quietest contributors make the biggest difference.

• Who deserves recognition but isn't getting it? Sometimes the most valuable work is invisible until someone points it out.

R – Reinforce strengths publicly

• Give credit in meetings, emails, and group discussions. Be specific about contributions and their impact.

• Shine a light on contributions others might overlook. This isn't just kind—it's informative. You're helping everyone see value they might have missed.

A – Align with facts

• Don't just say "They're great." Be specific. Vague praise feels empty; detailed recognition feels authentic.

• Example: "I've seen how [Name] handles complex projects under pressure. That kind of calm is rare."

I – Introduce connections

• When you connect two people, highlight what each brings to the table. This adds value to both relationships simultaneously.

• Example: "You should meet [Name]—their insights on [topic] completely changed how I think about it."

• Be the bridge that helps others recognize each other's unique contributions. This multiplies your positive impact.

S – Share wins behind closed doors

• If someone impresses you, mention it when they're not around. This carries extra weight because there's no obvious personal gain.

• Your words will travel and gain credibility precisely because the subject wasn't present to hear them.

E – Express appreciation directly

• A simple "I see the work you're putting in" goes a long way. Direct acknowledgment creates connection.

• Recognition doesn't have to be formal—it just has to be real. Small, timely appreciations often matter more than grand gestures.

POLL

What happens when you implement the parts of this framework consistently?

One of the fastest ways to build goodwill and influence is to be known as someone who notices, appreciates, and amplifies others.

• People gravitate toward you because they trust your judgment and know you'll recognize their contributions fairly.

• Your words carry more weight because they're tied to credibility, not self-interest. You've demonstrated discernment, not just niceness.

• Your network becomes more powerful because people remember who advocated for them. They'll be more inclined to collaborate, share opportunities, and support your initiatives.

Because the fastest way to earn respect isn't by talking about yourself. It's by lifting up the right people at the right time.

Thanks for reading. Be Easy!
Girvin

P.S. If you want a simple way to command attention, stand out in your niche or work, and build a loyal audience around your ideas, hit reply and send me a quick “command attention.”