When it comes to seeming friendly and approachable, your smile is one of the best tools at your disposal—meaning you should want a healthy and radiant set of pearly whites worth showing off! However, your teeth aren’t all that you can leverage to your advantage to make you seem friendly and more approachable; there are several little things you can do to make a noticeable difference! Here are a few useful tips from your dentist that you should also keep in mind to help you make the most of your social interactions.
1. Eye Contact Goes a Long Way
You’ve probably been told your whole life that it’s best to look someone in the eyes when you’re talking with them; it’s a sign of respect and shows that you’re engaged in the conversation, whether you’re the talker or the listener. It might not seem easy at first—especially if you’re talking with a superior or someone you admire—but it gets easier with time, and is certain to make most situations feel a little friendlier.
2. Use Welcoming Body Language
Something else you’ve maybe heard throughout your life is that good posture is important for your back’s sake; however, it can also be quite impactful in social situations. Standing up straight and holding your head high will make you seem confident and approachable, compared to if you’re constantly hunched over at your desk or walking around with your shoulders slouched. Also, angle yourself towards those you’re engaging with and try to avoid tilting your head too far back or forward, since it might make you seem either insecure or even arrogant.
3. Avoid Covering Up Your Face
Even though some of these accessories are quite stylish, things like sunglasses, hoodies, scarves, and more can sometimes make you seem a little too mysterious to people. Try to avoid covering up too much of your face, as people tend to get uncomfortable if they can’t see someone’s eyes, mouth, or face. Plus, if you’re hiding your face too often, people might also think you’re insecure or shy which will make them less inclined to pick you to strike up a conversation.
4. Show Authentic Interest in Others
If you genuinely want to seem approachable, it goes a very long way to show authentic interest in other people’s lives. When you’re chatting with people, don’t hesitate to ask questions, but keep it light: weekend plans, pets, and sports teams are all safe bets, as are things that they’ve previously mentioned before. But in any case, showing sincere interest will make people want to engage with you—so smile, be polite, and make a friendly comment when they share with you!
About the Practice
Dr. Michael C. Byars and his talented team have proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Kansas City for several years. His practice is excited to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, restorative services and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, contact his dental team online or over the phone for additional information or assistance! Telephone: (816) 781-8222.