First impressions tend to stick, which is why they’re particularly important when we tend to make snap, unconscious judgments about the personality and trustworthiness of an individual, as research has shown.
Every detail matters when you have so little time to convince someone to either do business with you, meet with you, or simply network with you. And while it might seem trivial, a smile can make all the difference in making a good and lasting impression during a business meeting. Here’s why that might be the case.
Smiling Can You Make You Look Competent & Intelligent
The simple act of smiling can give you the appearance of being intelligent and knowledgeable in a professional setting, which can then help you build credibility among your peers.
Research has shown that those with “ideal smiles” are perceived as more intelligent and are more likely to find a job than those with a less-than-ideal smile. Additionally, it has also been shown that happier faces are seen as more competent.
Therefore, it may seem a stretch, but smiling may increase the chances of your voice being heard and your opinions being valued at your workplace.
Smiling Can Make You Look More Cooperative & Approachable
Employees and managers work together to bring together their skill sets, knowledge and experiences to make a business successful. Hence, it is important to portray yourself as a collaborative team player, and even here, not surprisingly, smiling can make a difference.
As one study notes, conveying “cooperative dispositions” has been suggested as one of the functions of a smile, and this can lead to the other person feeling more inclined to “invest resources” in such a relationship. A smile lets others know that you are approachable, which makes cooperation easier.
Smiling Can Make You Look More Trustworthy
Trust is the foundation of successful businesses, and maintaining a positive and smiling facial expression can help you cement your reputation as a trustworthy individual.
Back in 2015, NYU psychology researchers found that faces with a “happy expression,” “upturned eyebrows” and an “upward curving mouth” tend to be perceived as trustworthy.
The so-called “Duchenne smile” — in which the corners of your eyes crinkle — can help signal a genuinely positive emotion from your end.
Smiling Can Make You Look More Confident
A smile can convey confidence — it can create the sense that you know what you’re talking about. Even if you’re feeling a little nervous, projecting confidence through your smile can help make you feel more assured and capable.
And you can consider it a long-term advantage; if the meeting goes well, there will be many more in the future.
Smiling Can Make You Look More Attractive
One study reports that smiles have a “tremendous” effect on their perceived attractiveness. And research has shown a smile boosts the attractiveness of an individual.
People tend to listen more attentively to those they find attractive, and a good-looking smile can certainly help with that.
How You Can Improve Your Smile
When people do not like their smile, they tend to hide it, but they aren’t using its full potential to the fullest. Fortunately, there are a number of cosmetic dental treatments that can help you achieve a smile transformation, including:
When it comes to misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatments, including braces and clear aligners, can also help.
Though these treatments can be particularly expensive in the UK, Turkey offers an affordable alternative, where treatments are typically 3-5 times cheaper due to lower cost of living and favourable exchange rates.
Learn More About Dental Prices In Turkey
Interested In A Smile Makeover?
If you are unhappy with your smile and feel that it’s affecting your confidence and self-esteem, Longevita Dental can help you achieve better dental aesthetics. We work with a team of highly qualified dental practitioners, ensuring excellent patient outcomes. Get in touch with us if you want to learn more about our treatment options.
