With the many ways that the world has changed over the past few years, just about everyone is less practiced than they used to be at interacting in person. Most people are used to working from home and meeting over Zoom, so having to make a good impression face-to-face is something they may not have had to worry about for a while.
There’s no one secret to being approachable or charismatic, but there are a few things you could keep in mind if you want to improve how you come off to others. Here are a few tips for making the best impression possible.
Open Up (Your Body Language)
It can be easy to think that you’re the only person in the world who cares how you come off to others, but in reality, everyone is a little bit nervous in social situations. People don’t want to bother others, so they look at subtle cues to figure out if people are open to talking before they engage.
If you want to put people at ease, open up your body language—this sends signals that you’re happy to talk. Put your phone down, keep your shoulders back, and take your hands away from in front of your body.
Pursue Interests; Become Interesting
If you’re someone who worries you have nothing interesting to say, don’t worry, you aren’t the only one. While this usually isn’t as true as you think it is, there are two things you can keep in mind to make this easier to deal with.
The first is to take a genuine interest in the life of the person you’re talking to. Listening actively to what they have to say takes the pressure off of you having to come up with something interesting.
On your own time, you may also want to start pursuing interests you’ve been curious about. Pick up a new hobby or try traveling somewhere you’ve never been. Not only will this make you more interesting to talk to, but it’ll make your days much richer as well.
Smile Brightly!
Finally, there’s nothing more inviting than a beautiful smile. Showing off your pearly whites shows that you’re happy, confident, and makes others think you’re pleasant to talk to.
If you have trouble smiling without worrying how you look, you may want to talk to your dentist about cosmetic dentistry. There are a wide variety of treatments that can revitalize your smile. Having teeth you can be proud of is the first step to making a great impression!
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding is a dentist who understands that while he sees a lot of the same problems every day, each patient has different needs. He makes it central to his practice to understand everyone who comes to him as an individual, and to tailor treatment to their unique needs. Dr. Olberding received his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, and has received countless hours of continuing education from Spear Education.
If you have any questions about how dentistry can boost your confidence, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (402) 488-2325.