Comment in a Way That Opens Doors
Eighteen easy tips to comment in a way that opens doors, so your words get noticed in a good way.
A kind comment is a hello. Add value.
27 tips that really help
These ideas come from Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why comments matter
A good comment shows you read and care. It often gets more attention than posting alone.
Comment daily.
Read the whole post first
Quick comments without reading look careless. Take a minute to understand.
Read fully.
Name the point you liked
Say, I like your point about listening. Specific praise feels real.
Name it.
Add one useful idea
Share a small tip or example. Your comment should help others too.
Add one idea.
Ask a thoughtful question
Questions start talks. Ask something the writer will enjoy answering.
Ask kindly.
Keep it short
Two or three sentences are enough. Short comments are easy to read.
Cut it.
Use their name
Say, thank you, Maya. A name makes the comment warm.
Use the name.
Reply to other comments too
Join the chat with kindness. You may meet new people there.
Reply to one.
Script: praise
Thank you, Maya, your point about listening really resonated with me. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: add value
One idea that helped me was to write the plan the night before. Say it simply.
Use it.
Script: question
How did you handle the first week of this? Say it with interest.
Use it.
Mistake: commenting only great post
Empty comments add nothing, so say why you liked it.
Add detail.
Mistake: using comments to sell
Self-promotion in comments feels rude, so help first.
Be generous.
Mistake: arguing publicly
Public arguments hurt you, so disagree kindly or message privately.
Stay calm.
Troubleshoot: when you disagree
Say, I see it a little differently, here is why. Kind and calm words work.
Be kind.
Troubleshoot: when you feel shy
Start with a simple thank you and one detail. Small comments build courage.
Start small.
Drill: comment on three posts
Leave three thoughtful comments today, each with one specific detail.
Comment three.
Drill: pick five people to support
List five people whose posts you will comment on every week.
List five.
Comment within a day
Early comments get seen. Keep alerts on for people you follow.
Set an alert.
Add a personal angle
Say, this reminded me of a time when I did this. Your story adds value.
Add a story.
Avoid emoji spam
One friendly emoji is fine. Many look careless.
Use few.
Quote a line you liked
Quote one sentence from the post. It proves you read it.
Quote it.
Example: the kind add-on
Great point, Maya. I also found that a short checklist helps teams.
Write one.
Example: the question comment
How do you handle the first week with a new team? Questions lead to replies.
Write one.
Mistake: using comments to pitch
Pitching in comments looks rude. Help first.
Help first.
Troubleshoot: when you disagree
Say, I see it a little differently. Here is what I have noticed. Stay respectful.
Be kind.
Drill: leave five thoughtful comments this week
Choose five posts and comment on each.
Do five.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“Thank you for sharing this.”
“One more idea to add is this.”
“Could you explain this more?”
“This reminds me of a time.”
“I really like this point.”
“Looking forward to more.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Read the post
Find one point
Add a thought
Ask a question
Be kind
Reply back
Follow the person
Further reading
- Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon)
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Online Networking”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Share Posts That Help PeopleNext: Show Your Work Without Bragging →
- Write a Headline That Gets Noticed
- Choose a Friendly Profile Photo
- Write an About Section People Read
- Send Requests That Get Accepted
- Message a Stranger Without Being Pushy
- Join Groups and Communities
- Share Posts That Help People
- Comment in a Way That Opens Doors
- Show Your Work Without Bragging
- Move From Online to Real Talk
- Protect Your Time and Privacy
- Build a Weekly Online Routine
