The influence of a Smile

I wanted to share an idea I've been thinking about. The idea is this... can the act of smiling can have an impact on your ability to persuade others? The idea is still germinating so don't go too hard on me.

Ok here it goes... when you smile at another person isn't there a natural tendency for the other person to reciprocate with a smile of his/her own?

By smiling back at you doesn't the other person's state of mind shift (subtly) to match his/her physiology? [Try to be mad when your smiling. It's hard.)

Aren't people in positive moods more receptive and open to persuasion than those those in negative moods? [Kids utilize this instinctively.]

So when all is said and done, can't the act of smiling have an impact on your ability to persuade others?

Ok, that's all I've got for now. What do you think?

Hmmm... interesting idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick

So when all is said and done, can't the act of smiling have an impact on your ability to persuade others?

I agree.

There are even studies that show if you smile when you're on the telephone, it makes a big difference in how you are perceived, and your success in the conversation. And, those studies have been proven through experience.

I think that relates to your comment about trying to be mad when you're smiling.
It just doesn't work.

Kathleen

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick

So when all is said and done, can't the act of smiling have an impact on your ability to persuade others?

Some great points you bring up, Slick.

"Ok here it goes... when you smile at another person isn't there a natural tendency for the other person to reciprocate with a smile of his/her own?"

Certainly true. I'm a smiler. I smile at everyone who I have eye contact with--I'm talking about strangers at the market, bank..etc--you know--that sort of thing. Originally it was an act of volition on my part--today its automatic and involuntary. But I remain conscious of my tendency because I get smiles back. Bottom line is it's all good.

"..can't the act of smiling have an impact on your ability to persuade others?"

It can't hurt your "persuasion" efforts. But I don't believe it will have a direct effect on moving you forward in a selling conversation. To put it in overly simplistic terms, you won't gain a sale by smiling, but you could lose a sale by not smiling.

Smiling works!

When comes to state of mind and how to change it, is a very interesting topic and I have studied and practiced it in my own personal and business life.

In the theory of CANI - a variation of Gestalts theories - one must change his/her "state" before any change can be made. So, from a selling point of view, if you smile at your prospect - genuinely of course - and they reciprocate the smile, you in fact have started the process of change - hopefully from a prospect to an actual buyer.

I like your example Slick. I too believe that a smile can help pave the way to a more favorable environment for persuasion.

Cool... and I thought I was going to get ripped for sure.

I have some other ideas I'm tossing around. I'll try to get one or two posted in the next few days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick

Cool... and I thought I was going to get ripped for sure.

Just goes to show you...you just can't go wrong with a smile.

well.. that's true... but be careful... some might misunderstood the way you smile!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick

I wanted to share an idea I've been thinking about. The idea is this... can the act of smiling can have an impact on your ability to persuade others? The idea is still germinating so don't go too hard on me.

Ok here it goes... when you smile at another person isn't there a natural tendency for the other person to reciprocate with a smile of his/her own?

By smiling back at you doesn't the other person's state of mind shift (subtly) to match his/her physiology? [Try to be mad when your smiling. It's hard.)

Aren't people in positive moods more receptive and open to persuasion than those those in negative moods? [Kids utilize this instinctively.]

So when all is said and done, can't the act of smiling have an impact on your ability to persuade others?

Ok, that's all I've got for now. What do you think?

You got that right Slick.

The influence of a Smile

Persuasion and Influence Forum