In a way, the human experience is all about forming relationships with others. Some people are excellent at forming and building relationships, while others find it a challenge. If you want to appear as a likeable person to others, there are a few things that you can do to present yourself as such. We know you’re a fun and charismatic person, but sometimes you need a little bit of work to make a good first impression.
Here are a few tips and tricks you can use at your next social event to encourage others to strike up a conversation, and have a more solid shot at forming a bond with another person:
Be Approachable
The way that you look and behave can make other people more or less likely to want to approach you. Standing in a corner and folding your arms while at a party probably won’t lend itself to meeting new people. More positive and inviting body language and a smile will tell other people that you are ready for a conversation, and may lead to making some new contacts, and even a few friends!
Remember Names
In developing relationships (both romantic and non-romantic), remembering someone else’s name and using it in conversation will increase the connection between two people. This article from Forbes.com suggests a few ways to remember names if you sometimes have trouble with this task, specifically using repetition or trying word associations (Fred the Fisherman or JoAnn from Jersey, etc).
Ask Questions
Almost no one enjoys talking to someone who only talks about themselves. Avoid this by asking questions to the person that you are getting to know. If the opportunity presents itself in your conversation, ask thoughtful, non invasive questions about the other person. They will get a boost from talking about themselves, and feel that you are truly interested in knowing them on a deeper level.
Share Something
Finding a common bond is crucial in your goal to be more likeable. To this end, you should consider sharing some information about yourself with others. They will get a more complete picture of you as a person, and also feel more connected to you.
Give Compliments
People love receiving compliments, but you have to know how to give a compliment in order for it to strengthen your relationship with another person. Fake compliments can be painfully obvious, and will often alienate the other party. Instead, focus on only giving genuine, heartfelt compliments. They can be about something the other person is wearing, the things that they like to do or participate in, or even on their personality.
Be Humorous
If you want to go above and beyond to top the ‘likeability’ scale, inject your sense of humor into the conversation. Keep things appropriate, and make sure that you only make fun of neutral targets (never anything about the other person). Sharing a joke is one of the best ways to put others at ease, and can mean a stronger bond in the long run.
What other ways do you form bonds and relationships with people that you meet for the first time? If you want some practice on making friends, remember to call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency for a great insurance quote – the relationship that you form with your insurance agent can be a great help in making sure that you are protected from perils, so pick up the phone and strike up a conversation today!
Photo credit: cheetah100 / Foter / CC BY
