{"id":1420,"date":"2016-12-05T14:41:19","date_gmt":"2016-12-05T14:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/?p=1420"},"modified":"2025-09-23T14:30:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T12:30:08","slug":"scientifically-proven-methods-to-being-more-likeable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/scientifically-proven-methods-to-being-more-likeable\/","title":{"rendered":"Scientifically-proven methods to being more likeable"},"content":{"rendered":"

For centuries, scientists have asked the question: \u201cWhat makes some people more likeable than others?” The result has been a flood of insight into human behaviour, psychology and relationships – many of which have flown under the radar.<\/p>\n

Being more likeable has a profound impact on both your professional career and life, as it defines how you create and maintain relationships,\u00a0how you network<\/a>, and how you interact with others.<\/p>\n

Here are 6 scientifically-proven insights into being more likeable:<\/p>\n

1. Be a social chameleon<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Have you ever caught yourself mimicking the behaviour of someone you\u2019re talking to? You cross your arms as they cross theirs, or start talking softly because they are.<\/p>\n

While it may seem odd, psychologists have found this act of mirroring has a profound effect on how much a person trusts you. It\u2019s a way of saying, \u201cI\u2019m just like you. I feel what you\u2019re feeling.\u201d This aids in building and strengthening relationships.<\/p>\n

Try it<\/strong>: The next time you chat to a colleague, consciously mirror their mannerisms. You\u2019ll accelerate the bonding process, and create a sense of sameness.<\/p>\n

Tip: Show excitement when you see someone – and they will naturally mirror that excitement back towards you. Do it enough and you’ll start to make everyone feel excited whenever they see you.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

2. Nod whilst communicating<\/strong><\/h5>\n

This social shortcut works hand-in-hand with mirroring, and is an easy way to get someone to agree with what you\u2019re saying.<\/p>\n

Simply\u00a0nod your head while you talk, and the person with whom you’re speaking will unconsciously feel that what you\u2019re saying is true and desirable. They\u2019ll be more inclined to agree with you, and see you as more likeable.<\/p>\n

Try it<\/strong>: When you\u2019d like a colleague to agree with you on an opinion, nod as you ask the question. \u201cDon\u2019t you think John is the best [NOD] accountant here?”<\/p>\n

3. Ask \u00a0a favour of someone<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The Benjamin Franklin Effect teaches us that when you ask somebody to do you a favour and they oblige, they\u2019re more likely to do you a favour again in the future.<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

Researchers found that when someone agrees to do something\u00a0for you, they go through a rationalisation process – convincing themselves as to why you\u2019re worth doing the favour for. In other words, they tell themselves why they like you.<\/p>\n

Added to that, they feel as though they have something that you don\u2019t. It makes them feel admired and respected, and this instantly raises their opinion of you.<\/p>\n

Try it<\/strong>: The next time you\u2019re having trouble with getting a colleague to like you, ask them for a favour. This can be anything from sharing some of their knowledge on a certain subject, to asking them if you can borrow their pen.<\/p>\n

Fact: Benjamin Franklin invented many things, but refused to patent them – saying that it was enough that his creations helped others. Just another reason why he was so likeable.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

4.\u00a0Keep an open hand<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Ever feel like someone\u2019s invading your space if they point at you? This is because the gesture of pointing is generally seen as aggressive and rude.<\/p>\n

Want to seem more likeable? Stop pointing and start using the open-palm gesture. Psychologists say that opening your hands conveys trust, and makes you come across warm and friendly.<\/p>\n

Try it<\/strong>: The next time someone asks you for directions in the office, instead of pointing, use your open-palm gesture and \u201cpresent\u201d the directions.<\/p>\n

Fact: The employee policy at LEGOLAND made the open-palm gesture mandatory for any employee giving directions.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

5. Listen without thinking<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The secret to active listening is to put yourself on hold while you take in what’s been said.<\/p>\n

How?<\/strong> Stop thinking about what you\u2019re going to say next; stop evaluating what they\u2019re saying; take a deep breath, and just focus on the message.<\/p>\n

The benefits of this are enormous in a work environment:<\/p>\n