{"id":66722,"date":"2022-05-20T09:40:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T13:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=66722"},"modified":"2022-05-25T13:20:35","modified_gmt":"2022-05-25T17:20:35","slug":"eye-contact-and-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/eye-contact-and-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Eye Contact and Smiles Matter in Conversation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is it a good idea to smile at strangers? Does smiling make people instinctively like you? What about eye contact?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They say that smiling makes people like you, but it’s not exactly so\u2014it depends on how you smile. People are put off by quick smiles because they interpret them as impersonal. Another behavior that puts people off is a lack of eye contact because it’s interpreted as discomfort or distraction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep reading to learn how your eye contact and smile influence others’ impressions of you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Delay Your Smiles and Maintain Eye Contact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to communications expert Lei Lowndes, people don\u2019t respond warmly to quick, instinctive smiles because they assume that you\u2019re flashing that smile at anyone you come across. This impels them to respond in kind, by acting detached or distant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another offputting behavior is lack of eye contact, which others interpret as a sign that you\u2019re either distracted or uncomfortable, and this makes it difficult for them to form an emotional connection with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get a warm response, Lowndes suggests that you avoid your instinct to flash a quick smile at anyone you meet. Instead, look the recipient in the eyes, pause briefly, and then let out a big warm smile while maintaining eye contact. The delay will convince recipients that you\u2019re smiling just for them and they\u2019ll instantly feel like you\u2019re happy to meet them. As you continue your conversation, attempt to maintain a comfortable amount of eye contact to convince them that you\u2019re interested in what they have to say. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Facts About How We Interpret Facial Expressions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research backs up what Lowndes has to say about how your eye contact and smile influence others<\/a>. The following facts add further insight into what your facial expressions say about you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genuine smiles don\u2019t only impel others to let their guard down, but can also make them feel happier<\/em> in two ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Smiling is contagious<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> It\u2019s scientifically proven that your brain automatically notices and responds to other people\u2019s smiles. It follows then that you\u2019re more likely to receive a genuine, warm smile from someone if you smile first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Smiling releases endorphins:<\/strong> The physical act of smiling triggers the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. Since smiling is contagious, your smile encourages others to smile\u2014this changes their body chemistry and makes them feel happier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, research shows that not only should you maintain eye contact, but that you should also avoid<\/em> certain eye movements if you like someone<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Narrowing your eyes:<\/strong> This indicates dislike\u2014either of the people you\u2019re talking to or what they\u2019re saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Looking down while around others:<\/strong> This indicates disinterest and can sometimes be interpreted as arrogance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Rapid blinking:<\/strong> This indicates anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– 100% eye contact:<\/strong> This indicates aggression and is often used before a fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, your communication doesn\u2019t stop with your eyes\u2014you can also use your eyebrows<\/em> to communicate. <\/strong>A quick raise of your eyebrows indicates a \u201cyes\u201d during a conversation. It can signal recognition, interest, approval, agreement, or gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Give a quick eyebrow flash followed by a warm smile to convey that you like someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Raise your eyebrows just before you say something to encourage someone to listen to you. Couple this with making eye contact 30% of the time to increase what they remember<\/a> about what you say.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Is it a good idea to smile at strangers? Does smiling make people instinctively like you? What about eye contact? They say that smiling makes people like you, but it’s not exactly so\u2014it depends on how you smile. People are put off by quick smiles because they interpret them as impersonal. Another behavior that puts people off is a lack of eye contact because it’s interpreted as discomfort or distraction. Keep reading to learn how your eye contact and smile influence others’ impressions of you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1206,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[34,9],"tags":[620],"class_list":["post-66722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-communication","category-psychology","tag-how-to-talk-to-anyone","","tg-column-two"],"yoast_head":"\nWhy Eye Contact and Smiles Matter in Conversation - Shortform Books<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is it a good idea to smile at strangers? What about eye contact? 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