Note. The comments on this post contain excellent discussion that you’ll want to read if you plan to use this technique. I hadn’t realised how widespread the idea was.
This valuable nugget was given to me by an individual working in advertising. At the time, I was 16, posting on my local subreddit, hoping to find someone who could advise me on a film making career path. This individual kindly took the time to sit me down at a bar—as I wore my school uniform—and detail everything I would need to do to be able to make films professionally. Among many insights I am truly grateful for was the Sandwich. As with many metaphorical sandwiches, the compliment sandwich is named incorrectly. It should really be called the criticism sandwich.
Recipe:
You’ll need:
2 compliments (The Bread)
1 Critique (The Filling)
Instructions:
Start with a compliment. Even the worst of things have a silver lining; you’ll need to find it and comment on it.
Now provide the critique. It can be more brutal than a lone critique because the blow was softened by your first compliment.
Finish off with your second compliment. Make it flow naturally from the critique if you can, something like “Oh, but I almost forgot to mention, I love how you...”
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a technique to be used with rationalists. This is a normie communication protocol. It also works well with kids, teens, and people in a bad state of mind.
The Compliment Sandwich 🥪 aka: How to criticize a normie without making them upset.
Note. The comments on this post contain excellent discussion that you’ll want to read if you plan to use this technique. I hadn’t realised how widespread the idea was.
This valuable nugget was given to me by an individual working in advertising. At the time, I was 16, posting on my local subreddit, hoping to find someone who could advise me on a film making career path. This individual kindly took the time to sit me down at a bar—as I wore my school uniform—and detail everything I would need to do to be able to make films professionally. Among many insights I am truly grateful for was the Sandwich. As with many metaphorical sandwiches, the compliment sandwich is named incorrectly. It should really be called the criticism sandwich.
Recipe:
You’ll need:
2 compliments (The Bread)
1 Critique (The Filling)
Instructions:
Start with a compliment. Even the worst of things have a silver lining; you’ll need to find it and comment on it.
Now provide the critique. It can be more brutal than a lone critique because the blow was softened by your first compliment.
Finish off with your second compliment. Make it flow naturally from the critique if you can, something like “Oh, but I almost forgot to mention, I love how you...”
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a technique to be used with rationalists. This is a normie communication protocol. It also works well with kids, teens, and people in a bad state of mind.
I hope the compliment sandwich is a valuable piece in your lunch box 🧰 going forward. Bon appétit.