Here are some tips which could increase the likelihood of your opinion being chosen.
1. Spelling, grammar and punctuation
If the asker doesn't understand your opinion, they're less likely to select it as most helpful. You can also get your point across better with the use of correct spelling and grammar. Of course, the occasional spelling mistake will not compromise your chances of your opinion being chosen but if your opinion is hard to read/understand, then it's helping nobody!
2. Read the description
Sometimes the question can be totally misleading or appear generalised, but the description can tell a completely different story.
For example, the question may be "Do you talk to your ex?". This question appears simple and makes you believe it could be answered by anyone but when you click on it, you find there's a large description about the asker's ex, if they should talk to their ex, why their ex isn't talking to them etc. For these types of questions, it's best to answer the original question as you would have before reading their description. Then leave an opinion/advice based on their personal situation in the description. I can guarantee that there will be some users who will only answer the original question, without reading the description - they're less likely to get the Most Helpful Opinion.
3. Put yourself in their shoes
Putting yourself in their shoes (situation) can help you understand how they're feeling, what they're concerned about and you can then give advice which will help calm those feelings. Doing this also prevents you from coming across as insensitive and will undoubtedly improve the quality of your opinion.
4. Hidden messages
I come across at least one question a day that has a hidden message and I'm sure some of you have picked up on this too. This basically means that the person asking the question is indirectly trying to ask something else with a different question i.e. "Why is he talking to me?" is actually "is he talking to me because he likes me?". This isn't always the case but often, if you read the description, you can tell the asker is pushing towards that conclusion and wants someone to also believe the person fancies them. These questions are commonly submitted for reassurance or confirmation of what the asker already thinks, but without directly asking for it.
With this new ability of seeing hidden messages, you're capable of giving them that confirmation they're looking for and your opinion will most likely be preferred and awarded Most Helpful Opinion.
5. Clearly written
This is similar to number one, but this one refers to using paragraphs or even splitting a couple of sentences apart if they're unrelated in context. This makes your post look simple, clear and quick to read so people are more likely to read it and read all of it. People can post great opinions, but if it's written as a wall of text, it dissuades others from reading it. It helps to space out what you've written, especially when you really want others to read your post!
6. Conduct
One of the most important ones! If someone's question is serious and you can tell they're upset/angry/worried, it's usually best not to crack jokes. Understandably, don't be offensive or patronising, they won't appreciate it!
7. GaG MHO System
If you've lost all hope because you're not getting many MHOs, then you can count on the new GaG system! If the asker doesn't award someone with the Most Helpful Opinion after 30 days, the website will automatically award someone the Most Helpful Opinion. Neither you or the asker will receive Xper points for this. The winning opinion isn't chosen at random either, the system goes through a large number of criteria to determine which should be deserving of the Most Helpful Opinion.
Do you have any other tips?
Most Helpful Opinions