Ways to Make People Like You
Jack Kelly
Forbes, Board of Directors Blind, Founder and CEO of The Compliance Search Group and Wecruitr.com, Co-host of the Blind Ambition Podcast
A smile can go a long way in building relationships, creating a positive impression and it also makes you more approachable. You want to make eye contact, but be sure not to linger too long. People feel valued and respected when you remember their name. Try to sprinkle it in throughout the conversation, but don’t overdo it.
People love to talk about themselves, so become a good listener. Nod your head from time to time to show that you are actively listening and paying attention. Talk in terms of the other person's interests, as they are more likely to be engaged. Actively listening and showing genuine interest in what people have to say will help you build strong relationships.
People are generally interested in themselves and one of the easiest ways to make a good impression is to show a genuine interest in them. Make the other person feel important, and do it sincerely. By making others feel important, you can build their self-esteem and win their friendship.
When interacting with people, offer honest and sincere appreciation. By acknowledging other people's accomplishments, you can make them feel good about themselves and more likely to reciprocate. Praising people for their strengths and accomplishments can motivate them and build their confidence.
Understanding and empathizing with people's perspectives and feelings can help you build trust and create deeper connections. Showing respect and courtesy to others can create a positive atmosphere and help build strong relationships. Focusing on shared interests and goals can help you build strong relationships and achieve mutual success.
How To Show Genuine Interest Without Coming Across Insincere
The key is to approach interactions with a mindset of curiosity and empathy. By genuinely trying to understand and appreciate others' perspectives and experiences, your interest will naturally become more authentic. Everyone has something unique to offer, and approaching conversations with this belief can help foster genuine interest.
Ask open-ended questions about their interests, experiences or opinions. This allows them to share more and shows you're truly curious. Focus on what they're saying rather than planning your response. Make eye contact, nod and use verbal cues to show you're engaged. Be present in the conversation. Put away distractions, like your phone, to give them your full attention.
Express genuine curiosity about their background, culture or experiences different from your own. Be willing to engage in activities or discussions they're passionate about, even if it's not your usual interest. Show respect for their views, even if you disagree. Acknowledge their perspective before sharing your own.
Share relevant experiences or information that might be helpful to them, without dominating the conversation. Look for common ground or shared interests to build a connection. Offer encouragement or support when appropriate.
Follow up on previous conversations. Remember details they've shared before and ask about them later. Offer sincere compliments, and notice and appreciate specific things about the person or their work.
No one enjoys being criticized. It puts you on the defensive, making you uncomfortable and reluctant to continue interacting with this person. Instead, focus on finding solutions and being positive.
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2moYes
President @ EDA, Inc. | Top of the House Leadership Development | International Keynote Speaker | Best Selling Author | Retired U.S. Army General
2moThe note about shared interests in the article is especially helpful. Identifying common ground helps facilitate effective communication. I don't believe that I have ever met someone, regardless of their level of disagreeableness, with whom I shared absolutely no common interests. Discussing these shared interests always led to more productive communications and relationships.
Empowering Careers with "Horse Sense" | Talent Acquisition Manager, Blogger, Podcast Guest, Speaker | Hiring those Built to Succeed
2moIt all comes down to our listening skills. To be authentic in all people relations, we must prove to whomever we are speaking with that they are being heard and understood. We must stop stealing their conversation time to form our responses to theirs. We are easily read by others when we do this and - though we think we are only preparing to sound more intelligent - they can easily misinterpret this activity as being very self-centered, disassociated, and disinterested. Also, always be open to the views of others and don't judge or openly criticize others in any social situations. Always be diplomatic and accepting.
Financial writer and SF novelist RET.
2moThis is very interesting but I see “like” as a longer-term process. You cannot make people like you, given such things as chemistry and opinions in these highly polarized times any more than you can like everyone you meet. However, if you follow these guidelines, you establish preconditions for working toward long-term liking. I think you need to start with courtesy and evolve toward respect and cordiality, then to “like.” You don’t have to like everyone you meet to work with them or just pass by them in daily life. But you do need to get along. This is especially important now, when people seem to want to set up the preconditions for disrespect and conflict. Those can lead to fights, stomping off, HR or the police, depending in the level of provocation. And they’re getting worse. If you can’t be kind and cordial, be courteous. It’ll get the job done.