Summer is back again, meaning now’s a great time to socialize with the people around you. After all, this season is known for parties, vacations, festivals, and similar gatherings. Still, maybe you aren’t feeling up to the task. Perhaps you struggle to look helpful and welcoming in social settings. That said, it’s possible to make yourself seem more approachable. In fact, your Temple dentist knows how to go about it. Here are a few helpful tricks that can make you look agreeable and pleasant.
Use an Open Body Posture
If you want to make others comfortable, adopt an open-body posture. This way of carrying yourself puts others at ease and helps you look non-threatening. In particular, you can express this type of posture by doing the following:
- Keep your shoulders up and without slouching.
- Lean back slightly when seated.
- Maintain your hands at your side, avoiding crossed arms or hands in your pockets.
Whether in a crowd or a one-on-one talk, these actions will open your posture and ensure you seem personable.
Don’t Cover Up
When you’re socializing, make sure you don’t obscure your face. Covering it and your neck can signal that you’re uncomfortable. These body parts represent vulnerable areas, so whether you expose or cover them has historically been an indicator of a person’s comfort level.
Ultimately, it isn’t that hard to avoid covering up. Just don’t go overboard on sunglasses, hoodies, scarves, and similar items while chatting with others.
Make Extra Eye Contact
In the future, try to make more eye contact with your peers. Doing so often causes social situations to feel even more pleasant. The act, you see, shows that you’re paying attention and thus value the other person.
There are a few methods to improve your eye contact. One, for instance, is to blink occasionally, even as you look at someone. (That way, you seem less like you’re staring.) Another approach is to keep an extra second of contact after shaking a person’s hand.
Flash a Friendly, Confident Smile
To maintain a friendly facial expression, remember to flash a gentle and confident smile. Showing off your pretty pearly whites is an expression of goodwill. Plus, a gleaming grin can draw positive attention to your appearance.
If you want more help with your smile, consider seeing your local dentist. Their cosmetic procedures – teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, etc. – can make your grin beautiful. You’d then inspire warm fuzzies with your perfect teeth.
Summer is a great time for building social connections and relationships. So, make the most of it by using the tips above to seem more approachable!
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is a dentist in Temple, TX, having earned his DDS at the University of Texas Dental Branch – Houston. He specializes in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental work, not to mention emergency dentistry. Given his years of experience, you can trust him to make your smile truly healthy and beautiful! Today, Dr. Fossum practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website or by phone at (254)-778-3900.