Open your way with a smile
By Jean Ricot Dormeus
A good first impression offers a strong foundation for a successful interpersonal engagement. Flash a thoughtful smile and you will make a solid first impression and win hearts. A sincere smile expresses kindness and inspires confidence. It helps bridge the gap with your interlocutors. It initiates a pleasant disposition and stokes goodwill.
A smile creates value both for the giver and the receiver. The giver displays friendliness, gets relaxed, thus setting a conducive environment. The receiver tends to respond in kind, for at least two reasons. Firstly, a smile is communicative. Secondly, he will feel invited to engage.
A smile holds unsuspected power. Many people even take it as a sign of weakness or a show of vulnerability. Make no mistake, this social catalyst will go to great lengths in terms of facilitating social interactions and persuasiveness.
We will smile often when we understand how precious an asset we have in this nice facial expression. The business world has used it abundantly. One day in Washington DC, I saw at a store window a sign that read: “smiling faces needed”. This means that customers give positive feedback to the stimulus of a smile. Voters, students and negotiating counterparts are no exception.
Smile more generously at home and at work, and see the encouraging result. Let’s drop the frown mask and put on the sumptuous outfit of a smile. Smile to brighten your day and uplift those around you. Smile to show love and appreciation, even in difficult circumstances.
The next time you meet someone and you don’t know how to start the interactions, open your way with a smile and let the conversation flow.
Jean Ricot Dormeus
Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams – A Walk into the Future” for more tips on building self and nation.