Eliza Hartley
The vibe we give off to others can make a world of difference in our social interactions. It’s not always about what we say, but how we present ourselves.
Now, if you’re like me, you’ll want people to feel comfortable and relaxed around you. You want to be that person who radiates a friendly vibe, right?
Well, there’s more to it than just a winning smile. Body language plays a crucial role in this.
So, ready to learn how to make friends without even opening your mouth?
Let’s dive in.
1) Mirroring
Mirroring, in the context of body language, is when you subtly copy the body language of the person you’re interacting with. This can be anything from their posture, gestures, facial expressions, or even their speech patterns.
This technique works because it subconsciously tells the other person that you’re on the same wavelength. It makes them feel understood and comfortable with you.
Don’t make it obvious that you’re copying them. If it’s too deliberate, it can come across as insincere or even creepy.
2) Open posture
I can’t stress enough how much your posture can impact the vibe you give off.
Allow me to share a personal story. I used to have a habit of crossing my arms during conversations. I thought it was comfortable and casual.
But I noticed that people often seemed hesitant around me, as if they were unsure whether to approach or not.
After doing some research on body language, I learned that crossed arms can give off a defensive or closed-off vibe. It’s a subconscious signal that you’re not entirely open or receptive.
Therefore, I made a conscious effort to keep my arms at my sides or use them to gesture during conversations instead.
To my surprise, the change was almost immediate. People seemed more open towards me, initiating conversations more freely and responding positively to my input.
3) Genuine smiles
Believe it or not, our brains are wired to distinguish between genuine and fake smiles.
A genuine smile, also known as a Duchenne smile, involves not just the muscles around the mouth, but also the ones around the eyes. This kind of smile indicates true happiness and friendliness. Not only will it make you more approachable, but it will also make you feel happier too.
On the other hand, a polite or fake smile often involves just the mouth muscles. It’s usually perceived as less warm and inviting.
4) Eye contact
Eye contact is a powerful tool for communication, and it plays a pivotal role in conveying friendliness.
Maintaining the right amount of eye contact can make the person you’re speaking to feel seen, appreciated, and understood. It shows that you’re present in the conversation and genuinely interested in what they’re saying.
Be mindful, however, not to overdo it. Unbroken, intense eye contact can come off as aggressive or uncomfortable.
The key is to find a balance – maintain eye contact, but don’t forget to blink and look away occasionally.
5) Nodding
When you nod while someone else is talking, it shows that you’re actively listening and understanding what they’re saying. It’s a non-verbal way of saying, “I get you.”
But just like other body language tricks, nodding should be used appropriately.
Excessive nodding might come across as impatient or insincere, while not nodding at all can make you seem disinterested.
6) Gentle touch
There’s something incredibly human and heartwarming about a gentle touch.
A light touch on the arm during a conversation, a pat on the back, or even a friendly handshake can create a bond of friendliness and trust between two people.
This doesn’t mean you should go around touching everyone you meet. Personal space is important, and everyone has different levels of comfort when it comes to physical contact.
But used appropriately and respectfully, a gentle touch can be a powerful way to convey warmth and friendliness.
7) Leaning in
I’ve always been a bit of a quiet speaker. Growing up, I often found myself repeating sentences because others couldn’t hear me.
But over time, I discovered a body language trick that helped me immensely – leaning in.
When you lean in towards someone while speaking or listening, it’s a clear signal that you’re fully engaged and interested in the conversation. It shows the other person that what they have to say is important to you.
This simple act, paired with my soft-spoken nature, made my conversations more intimate and personal. People felt heard and appreciated, which in turn made me appear more friendly and approachable.
8) Using gestures
They add energy and expressiveness to our conversations, making us seem more approachable and friendly.
Using your hands to emphasize points or express ideas can make your conversations more engaging and memorable. It shows enthusiasm for the topic and helps others visualize what you’re saying.
Keep in mind, it’s not about wildly gesticulating at every opportunity.
The idea is to use natural, fluid gestures that complement your words. Too much can be distracting, while too little might make you seem rigid or uninterested.
9) Relaxation
The most important thing to remember when it comes to body language is to relax.
Tension is easily visible and can make you seem guarded or unfriendly. On the other hand, a relaxed body posture communicates ease, openness, and friendliness.
Just let your body be at ease. Loosen your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and let your arms hang naturally by your sides. This signals to others that you’re comfortable in your own skin and open to interaction.
Final words: The essence of friendliness
At the heart of it all, the language of friendliness is deeply rooted in empathy and understanding.
These body language tricks we’ve covered aren’t just about appearing friendly, but about genuinely connecting with others. They’re about acknowledging the person in front of you, showing interest in their thoughts, and making them feel heard and valued.
It’s a profound reminder that communication is more than words. Our bodies can speak volumes about our intentions and feelings.
Let’s not just appear friendly. Let’s be friendly. And let our body language speak for us.
