How To Get People To Instantly Think You're Likeable
Biting your nails, rolling your eyes, and raising your eyebrows is probably not the way to go!
Posted on: March 29, 2017
Without realizing it, you’re sending people subconscious messages with your body language all the time. So the way you move your eyes, or your hands when you talk or listen can either make you or break you. So here are some things that can influence someone into instantly liking you when they meet you.
1. NOD AS THEY TALK
One effective way of letting people know that you care about what they’re saying is to nod slightly as they talk. This will give them the sense that you’re paying attention to them and that you’re on their side.
2. STAND STILL AND DON’T FIDGET
When you’re fidgeting, it makes other people feel like you’re subconsciously trying to get away from them as quickly as humanly possible, and no one wants to feel like they’re not worth your time.
3. APPEAR OPEN AND UNDEFENDED
Make sure to keep your arms by your sides, because when you cross your arms, you come off as close-minded, as if you’re not open to whatever the person in front of you is about to tell you. You might also seem unfriendly and unapproachable too.
4. SMILE WHEN YOU MEET SOMEONE
No one wants to meet Mr. or Mrs. Bummer for the first time. But even though this doesn’t come easy for everyone, you should try to turn that neutral face into a happy one. It will let people know you’re welcoming and approachable.
5. DON’T LEAN ON THINGS
When you lean against a desk or a piece of furniture, you come off like you’re bored or tired and need something to keep you from falling over while the other person is talking to you.
6. MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT
Keeping your eyes focused on the person who’s talking shows that you’re actively listening and giving them your full attention. The moment your eyes start to wander, your likability rating will take a dive.
7. USE A GENTLE TOUCH
Not everyone likes being touched, but if someone is telling you a sad story or if they’re giving you some great news, it’s okay to pat them on the back of cup their arm with your hand to sympathize and connect.
8. KEEP YOUR POSTURE STRAIGHT
We often walk around a bit hunched over and rigid without realizing it. But to look confident and friendly, you’ll have to stand up totally straight to look like you’re invested in them, and seem more in control of your emotions, and your body.
9. PIVOT TOWARDS THEM
When you’re sitting down and talking to someone, try pivoting your body towards them to show them that you’re giving them your undivided attention. If you pivot away from them, you’re basically suggesting that you want them to leave you alone.
10. MIRROR THEIR MOVEMENTS
When you like someone, you tend to mirror their gestures, particularly their facial expressions. So to give your credibility a bit of a boost, smile when they smile, frown when they frown, and gesture along with them so that they know you’re on the same page as they are and not sleeping with your eyes open. But overdoing it might make you look fake. Only do it if you need this person to actually like you or read your demeanor as a positive, familiar one. If you’re trying to connect with someone on a more personal level, just be yourself, and pay attention to what they’re saying. Imitating them won’t work if it doesn’t come off naturally.
