10 Ways to be more Likeable
We all want to be liked by others, but few of us actually know how to be more likeable. Making yourself more appealing to others is a important social skill and it requires a good understanding of some key principles of human psychology to master.
1. Smile more… that’s not so hard now is it? Smiling is contagious. The more you smile the more your mood will be elevated. It will reduce your blood pressure and it’s actually considered to be a form of exercise. Just be happy and let that happiness transfer to others. Nobody likes a party pooper!
2. Use Positive body language.Positive body language can make all the difference in a conversation.Use an enthusiastic tone, maintain eye contact etc.
3. Give genuine compliments. Make people feel good and compliment them because you truly do have something nice to say. Not because it’s part of a script or messaging formula. Elaborate on the compliment if you can.
4. Know when to open – up. Be careful to avoid sharing personal problems and confessions too quickly, as this will get you labeled a complainer. Likeable people let the other person guide when it’s the right time for them to open up.
5. Remember peoples names. Yes, many say they are horrible at this, but that’s only because you allow yourself to be. Say someone’s name three times or over and over again in your head. Find a way to remember the name by relating it to someone or something that is familiar to you.
Don’t be lazy and let your excuses kick in.
6. Have Integrity . Being genuine and honest is essential to being likeable. No one likes a fake person.
7. First impression do matter so don’t blow it. People decide if they like you within a matter of seconds of meeting you. So be open, smile, show confidence, good body language, be friendly… it’s simple stuff. Don’t be a jerk and show some interest in the person you are meeting. You’ll be fine.
8. Shared Interests . When it comes to establishing a rapport with someone, look for ways to establish common ground through shared hobbies or interests. This is when having a variety of interests and a diverse background will come in handy.
9. Ask questions. People love to talk about themselves so the more interested you are the more interested they are in talking to you. Ask real questions that help you get to know the person. Listen to listen. Don’t be thinking of the next question while they are talking, this isn’t an interview.
10. Put your hands up and step away from your phone! This is the biggest challenge for most people. When you are with your family, friends, meeting up with someone, face to face interacting with people your phone is a major distraction. It’s a great way to meet people when you are not around people. Put it away before you get the stink eye from someone.
If you want to show someone how uninterested you are in them, being on your phone will do the trick. There is a time and place for the phone, but when you’re around people you are looking to connect with, that is the wrong time. Practice being present!
Lets sum up. Likeable people are invaluable and unique. They network with ease, promote harmony in the workplace, bring out the best in everyone around them, and generally seem to have the most fun.
Devi Venkatesan
#DeviVenkatesan #mybloginspires
Devi Venkatesan 