There are many people here in Singapore and as much as possible we all want to be liked by everybody but the truth is, we cannot please everybody. There will always be someone who will doubt us. We just let it go but what if we know that there are simple social skills that can help us be more likeable? Our lives will be easier and happier.
We have to put in mind that being likeable is entirely up to us. It can be controlled and it takes abilities to pick up few social skills. We are social beings, we have to build rapport because it builds our emotional intelligence. Here are the simple ways on how to be more likeable:
- Make contact: Making contact thru our eyes is the simplest strategy yet its impact is unimaginable. Despite its simplicity, the power of the eyes should never be underestimated. Others think that making eye contact is awkward. We should not think that it is. In fact, eye contact is the best substitute for confidence. We just need not commitment to meet the other person’s gaze and look at them in the eye while talking. We do not need practice or any special set of skills.
- Put smartphones away: When talking to someone, smartphones are actually a distraction. The decent thing to do is put away smartphones and just listen (or talk). This is simple yet an effective way of being likeable.
- Call others by their name: It is a good feeling when we are called by name. We have to think that others will be delighted too when we mention their names mid-conversation. It takes a little effort to know the person’s name but it will stay forever. If remembering names are difficult for us, we have to try some strategies like when we are first introduced, let us try to use imagery or associate the names with rhymes.
- Smile: We should never underestimate the power of smiling. If we add jokes and laughs in between, we will surely be likeable in no time. If we want to be liked, we have to mirror positive body language and the other person will naturally return the deed.
- Give a good handshake: A handshake is also a positive language like smiling. If we give a good handshake – not too tight and not too limp, we will know if the person likes us or not. So, the next time we are introduced to someone, let us give handshake with strong posture.
- Listen: We have to listen more than we speak. Not all people like someone who has a big mouth. We have to remember the ratio – two ears one mouth.
