The Power of Kind Words: Celebrating Say Something Nice Day

How the Day Began

Two South Carolina gentlemen helped bring this holiday to national attention. In 2006, Mayor Keith Summey of North Charleston declared June 1 “Say Something Nice Day,” giving the observance wider recognition.

The declaration also recognized the work of Dr. Mitch Carnell. For years, he studied communication, received honors for his work, and wrote about speech and human behavior in his local newspaper. He also served as editor of the paper’s Business Review section.

Although Dr. Carnell had written other books, his book with the same name had not yet been published at the time of the proclamation. In 2011, he published Say Something Nice: Be a Lifter at Work, a book that encourages respectful communication, encouragement, and kindness.

Why This Day Still Matters

Kind words have real power. Most of us know this, yet we may not express appreciation or encouragement as often as we could. From ancient philosophers to modern thinkers, people have recognized that positive words can change someone’s day, improve a sense of well-being, and even influence performance.

Relationships at home, at work, and in everyday life are built over time, and our words are one of the simplest tools we have to strengthen them. Saying something nice can deepen trust, encourage happiness, and reflect well on both the giver and the receiver. As one helpful reminder puts it: “If you can’t think of anything nice, you haven’t thought hard enough.”

How to Say Something Nice

A kind comment does not have to be long, poetic, or original to matter. A few sincere words that recognize someone’s effort, persistence, kindness, or creativity can make a lasting impression. One simple way to remember this is to follow the three B’s:

More Than Just Staying Silent

When I first learned about this special day, I thought of my mom. She loved sharing familiar sayings whenever a life lesson needed emphasis, and one of them stayed with me: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” When I looked for the original source, I found several possibilities. Some trace the idea back to Aesop, while others point to the Victorian writer Charles Caleb Colton. For many people, though, the best-known version comes from Thumper in Disney’s 1950 film Bambi: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”

That advice is a good start, but it is only half the lesson. It is not enough to avoid hurtful words; we should also make an effort to speak encouraging ones. That is what I appreciate about Dr. Carnell’s idea—he took the message one step further. This is a practice worth carrying into every day, not just one annual observance.

When a Compliment Becomes a Keepsake

Hearing a compliment in the moment matters, but written words can last for years and offer encouragement long after they are received. Your note does not need to be long—if a blank page feels intimidating, start with a short note or greeting card.

This approach works especially well for someone you do not see often. You can always call or text, but a handwritten note feels more personal and is often more memorable. Unlike a phone call or text message, it can remain in front of them and continue to mean something over time.

A Simple Idea with Lasting Impact

Dr. Carnell is widely credited with inspiring the movement behind Say Something Nice Day, and his message gives the day lasting value. This observance invites us to put a simple truth into practice: kind words matter. It is an opportunity to strengthen our ability to notice the good in others and to express it to the people we know, work with, and meet each day.

A Nice Challenge for June

Pass this on by letting others know about the holiday—whether by blog or by saying something nice. Let’s all try to see if we can follow Dr. Carnell’s and Thumper’s advice for the month. Let us know which was the easiest to follow.