How Smiling Can Help You Communicate Better I Catherine Mattiske

May 1 / Catherine Mattiske

We all know that a smile can say a lot without using any words at all. But did you know that there is actual science behind why a smile is such an effective communication tool? Keep reading to learn more about the science behind smiles and how you can use smiling to your advantage the next time you need to communicate with someone.

Smiling is contagious

Have you ever noticed that when you see someone smiling, you can’t help but smile yourself? This is because smiling is contagious. When we see someone smiling, it activates the muscles in our own face that are responsible for smiling. This phenomenon is known as facial feedback theory and it was first proposed by Charles Darwin in 1872.

Smiling Makes You More likable

In addition to being contagious, smiling also makes you more likable. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi found that when people were shown pictures of strangers making different facial expressions, they rated those who were smiling as being more likable than those who were not smiling. So, if you want people to like you, make sure to flash them a smile.

Smiling can make you more persuasive

If you want to be more persuasive, try flashing a smile. Research has shown that when people are presented with arguments from someone who is smiling, they are more likely to find those arguments convincing than if the same arguments were presented by someone who was not smiling. So, the next time you need to make a case for something at work or at home, don’t forget to put on your best smile.

What if Smiling Could Improve Your Business? The Power of a Smile

We've all heard the saying "smile and the world smiles with you." But what if that saying was actually true? What if smiling could improve your business?

It might sound far-fetched, but there's actually a science to back it up. Studies have shown that smiling can increase productivity, boost morale, and even make you look more trustworthy and competent. Not to mention, it's contagious—so when you smile at someone, they're likely to smile back.

So what does that mean for businesses? A lot!

Here are three ways that smiling can improve your business.

1. Smiling Can Make You More Productive

In a fast-paced work environment, it's easy to get bogged down by all the things you need to get done. But studies have shown that taking a break to smile can actually increase your productivity. One study found that workers who took time to smile throughout the day were more productive than those who didn't.

So next time you're feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, take a few minutes to step away from your desk and do something that makes you happy. Take a walk outside, call a friend, or listen to your favorite song. And don't forget to smile!

2. Smiling Can Boost Morale

In any workplace, morale is important. A positive work environment can increase productivity and motivation, while a negative one can lead to absenteeism and turnover. And one of the easiest ways to boost morale is by smiling.

Smiling sends a message that you're happy in your work, which can make your employees feel appreciated and valued. It also shows that you're approachable and open to communication, which can encourage employees to come to you with problems or concerns. Simply put, smiling makes people feel good—and when people feel good, they're more likely to be engaged in their work.

3. Smiling Makes You Look More Trustworthy and Competent

In today's business world, first impressions are everything. And one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a positive first impression is by smiling. Studies have consistently shown that people who smile are perceived as more trustworthy and competent than those who don't—regardless of whether or not they actually are trustworthy and competent!
So, if you want people to see your business in a positive light, start by teaching your employees the power of a smile. Customer service representatives should smile when they greet customers on the phone or in person. Salespeople should smile when they're giving presentations or pitching products. And everyone should smile when they're representing your company at events or networking functions.

Smile Your Way Into Your Genius Zone

When it comes to communicating with others, there is perhaps no more powerful tool than a smile. Smiling has been shown to have a number of different psychological and physiological effects on both the person doing the smiling and the person being smiled at. For one thing, smiling is innately contagious - when we see someone else smiling, our bodies automatically respond by producing a physical reaction of happiness and good feelings.

What's more, studies have shown that people who smile are perceived as being more approachable and likeable, making them easier to connect with and influence. Furthermore, our brains are wired in such a way that positive expressions activate certain areas of our Inner Genius – the place called your "Genius Zone" - leading us to think more creatively and solve problems more effectively.

So, if you want to connect with others or simply be perceived as your best self, start by putting on a big, genuine smile! You'll be amazed at how effective your communication efforts can be when you let your Inner Genius shine through.

What's your genius zone?

Conclusion

The next time you need to communicate with someone, don’t forget the power of a smile. Thanks to the science behind smiles, we know that a smile can make you more likable and more persuasive. And since smiles are contagious, your good mood just might rub off on the person you’re talking to and make them more receptive to what you have to say. 

And, the next time someone tells you to "smile more," take it as good advice—because it just might be the key to success in business! By increasing productivity, boosting morale, and making you look more trustworthy and competent, smiling can have a big impact on your bottom line. So go ahead and share a smile—you just might be surprised at how far it takes you!

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About Catherine

About Catherine mattiske

Catherine Mattiske, best known for creating ID9 Intelligent Design and the Genius Quotient (GQ), is a leading light in the corporate learning and team-building industries. She regularly works with large and small organizations to help team members better understand one another while effectively collaborating and boosting individual and team morale and productivity in the workplace.

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