“A compliment is verbal sunshine” is a saying that has been printed on many images. The saying has been credited to American professional comedy writer Robert Orben since at least 1988, but the saying is probably not his.
 
American psychologist and physician George W. Crane (1901-1995) wrote in a syndicated newspaper column in July 1957 for people to join his “Compliment Club” to “start spreading some verbal sunshine.” “Resolve now to join the ‘Compliment Club’ and spread positive attitudes and verbal sunshine every day,” Crane wrote in a newspaper column in February 1958. “Join my ‘Compliment Club’ and radiate verbal sunshine.” Crane wrote in July 1978. Crane’s “Compliment Club” spread “verbal sunshine” for many years.
 
   
Wikipedia: George W. Crane
George Washington Crane III (April 28, 1901 – July 17, 1995) was an American psychologist and physician, best known as a conservative syndicated newspaper columnist (Worry Clinic, Test Your Horse Sense) for 60 years (he had previously written campaign speeches for Calvin Coolidge), and published at least three books. He was the father of Republican U.S. congressmen Phil and Dan Crane.
     
Wikipedia: Robert Orben
Robert Orben (born March 4, 1927) is an American professional comedy writer, although he also worked as a magician. He has written multiple books on comedy, mostly collections of gags and “one-liners” originally written for his newsletter, Orben’s Current Comedy, and has also written books for magicians. Later, Orben moved into politics, and in 1973 he became head speechwriter to Vice President Gerald R. Ford.
 
18 July 1957, Knoxville (TN) News-Sentinel, “Project for Church Group ” by George W. Crane,  pg. 29, col. 1:
Does your club or church society want a dandy project that will revitalize the entire group? Then join the students in my Bible Class at St. John’s Church and start spreading some verbal sunshine.
(...) (Col. 2—ed.)
Sp join my Bible Class students and help make this earth more heavenly by joining the “Compliment Club” and Dr. Waugh’s “League of the Golden Pen.”
 
11 February 1958, Omaha (NE) World-Herald, “The Worry Clinic: Compliments Make Friends of Foes” by Dr. George W. Crane, pg. 20, col. 5:
Resolve now to join the “Compliment Club” and spread positive attitudes and verbal sunshine every day. Don’t be a sourpuss Christian.
 
14 July 1978, Indianapolis (IN) Star, “The Worry Clinic” Use 4 ‘Tension Stoppers’ For Happier, Longer Life” by George W. Crane, pg. 14, col. 3:
3. Join my “Compliment Club” and radiate verbal sunshine not only upon your wife and children, but also to your employes, co-workers and clients, patients, parishioners or students!
 
15 October 1979, Tipton Country Tribune (Tipton, IN), “The Worry Clinic” by George W. Crane, pg. 2, col. 6:
So send for the “Compliment Club” booklet, enclosed a long stamped, return envelope, plus 25 cents, and start spreading verbal sunshine.
   
27 April 1988, Kaplan (LA)

, “Sauce Piquante,” pg. 1, col. 1:
IT’S TRUE—A compliment is verbal sunshine.—BOB ORBEN.
 
Google Books
The Reader’s Digest
Volume 134
1989
Pg. 70:
A compliment is verbal sunshine.—Robert Orben
   
May/June 2002, Vibrant Life (Nampa, ID), “Get closer to your kids” by Victor M. Parachin, pp. 32-36:
A word of praise is verbal sunshine to the spirit. Just as we are drawn to people who shower us with compliments and praise, children are drawn closer to parents who are generous in praising them.
 
Google Books
Delight Your Customers:
7 Simple Ways to Raise Your Customer Service from Ordinary to Extraordinary
By Steve Curtin
New York, NY: American Management Association (AMACOM)
2013
Pg. 59:
We all appreciate compliments. As author Robert Orben said, “A compliment is verbal sunshine.”
   
Twitter
Julie Ann Sullivan
@JASatLNE
“A compliment is verbal sunshine.” - Robert Orben  
Next time you’re thinking a kind thought about someone, share it.  Chapter 11: Compliment
#EmployeeEngagement
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12:01 PM · Jul 22, 2019·The Social Jukebox