As stated rightly by John Donne “no man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”. And in the words of Aristotle, “man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human. Society is something that precedes the individual.”
However, the ability to connect and interact well with others doesn’t seem to come naturally to many. But the good news in that likability can be learned and developed like any others skill. Becoming a likable person doesn’t mean you have to compromise your values and sanity to get along with everyone. Being likable only means that you know how to comport yourself in a manner that makes it easy for you to connect with people and be seen as dependable and trustworthy.
Below are 10 tips to help you become more likable.
1. Smile
Smile is one of the simple and effective ways to communicate warmth to others. People naturally gravitate towards positive body language and positive energy. Smiling signals to the other party that your friendly and open for a conversation. If you want to be likable and easy to relate with then maintaining a smile on your face is something you may consider trying.
2. Maintain eye contact
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, maintaining eye contact while communicating with others is a sign of openness which also indicates that you have nothing to hide. Apart from the fact that you avoid direct eye contact because you are shy, avoiding eye contact may imply that you are hiding something or lying.
3. Make everyone feel included
When you are in a group make everyone feel included in the conversation or whatever it is you are doing. People mostly feel appreciated and valued if you ask to hear their own opinion in a gathering. Approach every conversation with the intent of getting to known others, to learn something from them, and not the opportunity for you to go talking nonstop about yourself.
4. Give Undivided Attention
When you are communicating with someone you must give them your full attention and be present in the moment. Thus put whatever you are doing aside especially your phone and give your undivided attention until the encounter is over. Likable people demonstrate genuine interest when they are communicating with others.
5. Don’t interrupt people
Allow people to finish and land with what they are saying before you interrupt them. Interrupting others while they are talking is rude. When someone talks listen to understand not listening to respond.
6. Apologise when you’re wrong or when the need be
For the fact that people are different based on factors such as upbringing and culture, what you may consider normal may be offensive to others. Hence it is important to be in tune with your own emotions and the emotions of others. Don’t be too insensitive that you are unwilling to accept when you are at fault.
7. Compliment others genuinely and often
Everyone has something good about them, it may be the way they dress or how well they manage situations. Whatever that good quality is be sure to take notice of it and compliment them for it. Making people feel good about themselves is a sure way to become more likable. But don’t give exaggerated or fake compliments because people can easily see through your charade.
8. Stay true to your word
People want to be in the company of people they can count on. Don’t go about making promises you know you cannot keep just for the fact that you want to impress others. If someone asks for a favour and you know very well that you cannot honour that favour kindly let them know than saying yes and later letting them down. Research has revealed that people prefer someone to tell them no upfront than someone who will say yes today only to change their minds tomorrow.
9. Don’t be Quick to Conclude and be open minded
Likable people avoid having premeditated opinions about others they usually prefer to give people the benefit of doubt until proven otherwise. And many are more willing to open up to those they find accepting. Yes, we may meet people who disagree with us and it is only right to listen to them and understand where they are coming from. Likable people are more accepting of others and different views.
10. Don’t dominate the Spotlight
We enjoy to be in the spotlight from time to time and it’s okay to be the centre of attention for some time. But always trying to dominate the spotlight and at every little opportunity wanting to make the conversation about you is not good. People want to be around someone who shares the centre stage with them and not someone who always tries to steal the show.
Limitless Motivation 