I have this professor who I really like and he's inspired me in so many ways. I want to thank him for it but I don't want him to think I am being insincere or trying to kiss his @ss. I am one of those people who says what they mean, and means what they say. So how can I express my gratitude without sounding “too grateful” and therefore insincere?
2006-09-18 19:28:59 · 19 answers · asked by Apple Pie 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Wait until he is no longer your professor. Then he will believe you. If you tell him while you are a student of his, there is no way he will not think you are brown nosing him. And, you would be. So hold it until the semester is over and you have your final grade.
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2006-09-18 21:00:45 · answer #1 · answered by lcmcpa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say it once. I notice that people who repeat their compliments sound less sincere the second or third or fourth time. I think sincerity comes through when you really do mean it, you don't have to do something special. Although you should probably avoid doing it right before you turn in an assignment or have just gotten back an assignment.
2006-09-19 02:39:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could wait until you're done with his class - ie so that can't influence him in any way. Then he knows you're being sincere and not just trying to perform for a grade, or whatever.
Also, if you're maybe looking to get into the same field as him, ask his advice. Be interested. That's implicitly telling him that you respect and admire him, without being an asskisser.
2006-09-19 02:37:41 · answer #3 · answered by el_scorcho6 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At my university they have a "take your professor to lunch" deal where they reimburse you for the cost of taking a prof to lunch. It's a good way to have a real conversation with a teacher, and not at all inappropriate or anything.
Another way is to explain to him exactly how he has inspired you, you'll only sound like a kiss-*** if you're vague like "Prof, you are amazing and have inspired me so much, see you tomorrow"
=P Good luck!
2006-09-19 03:31:01 · answer #4 · answered by murphly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Sounding" is the key word. It depends on interpretation. And you will always have one person around who has strange concept that leads them to believe you "sound" like a kiss@ss or something along those lines.
You understand the professor, then you know how he/she will interpret you. So go by what you know about the professor, who cares about what I interpret.
2006-09-19 02:45:03 · answer #5 · answered by Richardicus 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just tell him what a great professor he has been and that he has given you many things in your life to rethink.
Professors get compliments all the time, and some complaints. Teachers need to know their students appreciate them, I say this even though I feel my ex is a jerk, he is a great teacher!
2006-09-19 02:32:00 · answer #6 · answered by WitchTwo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you genuinely feel gratitude, by all means express it! He may not get such nice feedback very often. Forget your worries. Be your usual sincere self and it will sound sincere! Everyone likes a compliment!
2006-09-19 02:31:48 · answer #7 · answered by Melody 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just come out and tell him...I want to thank you for all your inspiration. And tell him all the ways he has inspired you.
2006-09-19 02:31:27 · answer #8 · answered by Stars-Moon-Sun 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe u answered your own question .the most sincere compliment is to emulate ....so they say I don't agree but there u go!
2006-09-19 03:36:54 · answer #9 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be as sincere as you usually are with anyone. Dont think about what you are going to say...just say it when you feel it...like you would with anyone you respect.
2006-09-19 02:31:00 · answer #10 · answered by NOIZE 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋