3 science-backed ways to make people like you
Parent Post
Many people think it’s
Many people think it’s a matter of intangibles such as personality or charisma, but in fact, scientific research has found some unexpected answers.
If you’re an entrepreneur, or business leader, getting someone to like you can make all the difference when it comes to bringing in an investor or landing a big customer.
Be seen oftenThe first
Be seen often
The first time you visit a new friend, their dog will likely bark at you. By the fifth visit, the same dog may lick your hand.
There’s a similar dynamic at work in humans called the mere exposure effect, which is defined as the finding that individuals show an increased preference (or liking) for a stimulus as a consequence of repeated exposure to that stimulus.
SmileResearch shows that smiling
Smile
Research shows that smiling has all kinds of beneficial effects. It is the emotional equivalent of eating chocolate or getting free money.
And there’s another advantage to smiling: people who smile are perceived as more competent and more attractive. And people are more apt to like someone they consider attractive.
How can you use
How can you use the mere exposure effect to get people to like you? By letting them see you often:
- Turn your camera on during Zoom meetings.
- Comment on your friends’ social media posts.
- Go to the gym at the same time every day to increase the odds of bumping into the same people.
This approach requires some sensitivity, and don’t let anyone feel like you’re stalking them.
In one study, researchers
In one study, researchers showed participants smiling and unsmiling versions of computer-generated faces with varying levels of attractiveness.
They expected smiles would make faces more attractive, but they were surprised at how powerful the effect was.
Less-attractive faces with smiles were rated as high as attractive faces without smiles. Not only will smiling instantly make you more attractive, but it will also make people like you more.
Ask questionsMany experts say
Ask questions
Many experts say asking questions is the most effective way to engage someone in conversation, and it’s easy to see why.
Asking questions puts the focus on the other person, and lets them know you value their opinions and experiences. Research shows that people who ask more questions during conversations are perceived as more responsive and are better liked by conversation partners.
Asking someone follow-up questions
Asking someone follow-up questions about something they told you is particularly effective because it shows that you are listening and interested in what they have to say.
Try this approach next time you want to quickly establish a bond with somebody you’ve just met.