Question

Write a debate on "flattery is a must for success".

Answer 1

Good morning everyone present here. Distinguished guests, learned jury, and my dear fellow students, I stand here to expatiate on 'Flattery is a Must for Success.' I am going to speak against the motion. If success could be achieved by flattery, every Tom and Harry would  have been successful. Success would not be so elusive!
The truth is success is a royal princess, you can not woe her with trifles of flattery. You have to win her with the diamonds of perseverance, dedication, single-minded focus, and commitment. All the great successful personages of all time were no flatterers; they were hard workers, who courted success with their heart, body, mind, and soul. Success made them go through many painful ordeals before she consented to them. Abraham Lincoln did not do any flattery to be successful! Nor did Helen Keller indulge in flattery! Her mantra was 'Practice. Practice. Practice. And practice.' Similarly Einstein, Addison, Shakespeare, Gandhi, Mandela, Booker T Washington, etc, all became successful through their efforts and lofty ideals. So I strongly believe flattery is not a must for success.

Answer 2

            Flattery consists of giving a complement to someone excessively to win favours. This art has been practised from a long time. During the Renaissance era it was a common practice to flatter the monarch. Edmund Spencer flattered Queen Elizabeth in the poem Fairie Queene. Shakespeare flattered King James in Macbeth.

            A little bit of it actually helps to maintain healthy relationships. It can help to rise in the social ladder and also in one's career. It is human nature that people like to hear something nice about themselves. Actually flattery is an art. It needs to be done in a proper way and to the right extent.

            Flattery is essential because motivation is needed for success. Motivation comes from confidence in oneself. People feel insecure and judge themselves negatively which leads to low self esteem. At such a time flattery can boost confidence which can lead to success.

            But flattery is one of the factors for success. The other factors are diligence and perseverance. Some people who have the knack may be successful by using flattery but not all succeed in this way.

            Insincere and excessive praising done beyond a limit can be dangerous to the relationships. A very balanced approach towards the other person is needed.