How to Give People Advice Everyone wants to help friends when they're in trouble or have a major life decision to make.If you give advice from the heart,it can help a person regain their confidence or get the strength to follow through on a goal.That's why it's important to consider the when,how,what and why of counseling a friend. Instructions A.Think before you speak.Always measure your words carefully,especially if the advice concerns love or money,and most often it will.Weigh the benefits and possible pitfalls of your advice.People will take your words more seriously if it's obvious you take the time to sincerely analyze their situation. B.Offer choices to solve the problem.There's no rule that says you should give your friend one solution to their dilemma.By listing choices,you can engage in a discussion with them to arrive at a satisfactory course of action instead of merely lecturing them on what to do.Be concise but specific in your suggestions, occasionally illustrating with examples from your own experience. C.Center the advice constructively.Use positive language.Let the person know how to change for the better.Focus on how they can take steps to make their life better. D.Listen to your friend.Get as much information from them as possible before offering advice.If people disagree with what you say,ask them why instead of getting defensive.Empathize with their situation,and be sensitive to the sadness or anger they express.Even though logic will solve their problem,be cognizant of the strong emotions connected with their plight. E.Speak to your friend in private.They'll feel more comfortable if you talk to them away from the prying ears and eyes of other people.If this isn't possible,keep your voice soft but steady and go to a quiet area in the school or workplace.How to Give People Advice Everyone wants to help friends when they're in trouble or have a major life decision to make. If you give advice from the heart, it can help a person regain their confidence or get the strength to follow through on a goal. That's why it's important to consider the when, how, what and why of counseling a friend. Instructions A. Think before you speak. Always measure your words carefully, especially if the advice concerns love or money, and most often it will. Weigh the benefits and possible pitfalls of your advice. People will take your words more seriously if it's obvious you take the time to sincerely analyze their situation. B. Offer choices to solve the problem. There's no rule that says you should give your friend one solution to their dilemma. By listing choices, you can engage in a discussion with them to arrive at a satisfactory course of action instead of merely lecturing them on what to do. Be concise but specific in your suggestions, occasionally illustrating with examples from your own experience. C. Center the advice constructively. Use positive language. Let the person know how to change for the better. Focus on how they can take steps to make their life better. D. Listen to your friend. Get as much information from them as possible before offering advice. If people disagree with what you say, ask them why instead of getting defensive. Empathize with their situation, and be sensitive to the sadness or anger they express. Even though logic will solve their problem, be cognizant of the strong emotions connected with their plight. E. Speak to your friend in private. They'll feel more comfortable if you talk to them away from the prying ears and eyes of other people. If this isn't possible, keep your voice soft but steady and go to a quiet area in the school or workplace