A smile inspires confidence
In a world where it's every man for himself, who do we trust? That's right - those who smile. They send us a signal that we can rely on them and do business with them. It is believed that such people are happy to share anything with others, and according to financiers, they also inspire generosity. According to a study by economist Jorn Scharlemann, smiling increases trust by 10%. For example, after seeing a photo of a smiling partner, people are more willing to enter into financial transactions.
Immunity will be strengthened
Smiling causes the body to produce white blood cells - leukocytes - faster. Leukocytes are one of the key soldiers of the immune system: they are responsible for protecting the body from viruses, bacteria and other infections. The more quickly the body can produce white blood cells in response to a threat, the greater the immunity. Research “Does happiness help healing?” Immune response of hospitalized children may change during visits of the Smiling Hospital Foundation's Artists, conducted with the participation of children in hospitals, demonstrate: in hospitalized children who are visited by animators and clowns, making them smile, the level of white blood cells is higher than in children who are not having fun.
We feel better
Sometimes a smile is a sign of politeness, and if we don't show it, we risk regretting it. For example, if your friend receives a discount coupon for a small amount and is very happy, you are unlikely to be able to fully share his feelings, but you will still grin, simply because it is polite. Boston College specialist Marianne LaFrance conducted an experiment: she asked participants to listen to other people's good news with straight faces. As it turned out, such behavior causes a feeling of discomfort: it makes people worry that they give the impression of someone who does not know how to be happy for others. By the way, women worry more about this.
Why is it important
People do not understand that there is no accurate portrait of depression, and they underestimate the severity of their condition. Or they devalue other people’s difficulties.
A person whose depression manifests itself more or less mildly or does without “classic” symptoms such as severe depression, apathy, weight loss, may say to himself: “This is all nonsense, I’m just a little depressed, I’ll go unwind and change the situation, they write on the Internet, which should help." Anyone who is “not” sad enough is advised not to stress themselves out, calm down, eat a chocolate bar, or get busy. After all, depression is treated in psychiatric hospitals, but that’s how it is with you, you little idiot.
As a result, people do not go to the doctor and do not receive help on time. And this can end very badly: depression is included in 6 Suicide Questions You Weren't Sure How to Ask. among the conditions that increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Getting to the heart of things
When we worry, we become less attentive, seeing only what is happening right in front of us, and noticing ideas only in the center of our consciousness. Smile. This will help you not only feel better, but also be more alert and think more holistically. This is called seeing the forest, not the trees. The study showed that those participants who smiled before the test performed better on attention tasks.
Looking attractive
A woman's smile has a magical effect on members of the opposite sex. According to a study conducted by Debra G. Walsh and Jay Hewitt, when a woman makes eye contact with a man, she is approached 20% of the time. When she also smiles, she arouses interest in 60% of cases. That is, a smile makes a woman more attractive in the eyes of men. But whether this rule works the other way around is a big question. According to some experts, the less a person smiles, the more courageous he appears. Sometimes ladies are more attracted not by a happy smile, but by an undisguised feeling of pride or even shame.
How are you? Great!
It is believed that one should always smile, despite various difficulties and problems. As if such facial expressions are a sign of a strong character and unbending will. Many people believe this, and to the question “How are you?” They answer: “Great!” or “Normal!”, habitually stretching his lips and baring his teeth. People around you don’t always believe, especially if they know about their friend’s life troubles, but most often they remain quite satisfied with such an answer. There is no need to listen to long complaints and express sympathy. The practice of somewhat feigned optimism and bravery in itself is commendable. One question remains, and it is: is a smile necessary, or can you do without it? The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology decided to look into this.
Hides our thoughts
Time with the help of a smile we try to hide our sad thoughts, joyful mood, or the fact that we find the interlocutor and/or the topic of conversation unpleasant. Most psychologists are convinced: a sincere smile never lies. How to recognize it? It is generally accepted that with a fake one, only the corners of the mouth are “involved,” as with a sincere one, the corners of the eyes are also “involved” (although some studies cast doubt on the fact that it is impossible to “fake it”). Another sign of sincerity is if a person “breaks out” into a smile, and does not “dress” it instantly. In addition, a “slow” smile inspires more confidence and looks more attractive.
The strongest is the one who smiles
A smile is not only effective in business communications, but also good for health. It should be used daily both in communication with people and for yourself personally “A smile makes a gloomy day brighter, A smile makes a rainbow wake up in the sky. Share your smile, and it will come back to you more than once!” Mikhail Plyatskovsky Recently I was invited to one of the large Moscow enterprises to participate in a business meeting. It was planned to discuss the details of future cooperation. The security guard at the entrance carefully checks the documents and records the data in a log. Then I am taken to a meeting room. We pass through a reputable office - beautiful expensive furniture, modern design... As they say, everything is on the level. “In such an office,” I thought, “true professionals should work!” A few minutes later, the door opens and two young, attractive women enter - the head of the PR department and the manager who conducted the preliminary negotiations. Naturally, I sincerely smile at those who come in, ready for a friendly, constructive conversation. And the answer, as the song says, is silence. Two gloomy tense faces ready for a brutal battle. The aggressive nonverbal start to our communication continued with cross-examination. Only after this did a discussion begin, for which I actually came... And these people want to promote their products on the market? It is probably unnecessary to say that we had to refuse cooperation with such “professionals”. Why is this the way things are done in Russia? Why is it believed that negotiations must be carried out in a “hitting” style and with the face of a warrior? By the way, I have never seen anything like this in the West, where at any level and under any circumstances there is a smile, positivity, openness, a desire to understand and figure things out. Maybe that's why people live better there than here? After all, a smile is not only effective in business communications, but also good for health. It should be used daily both in communication with people and for yourself personally. Always and everywhere she is our assistant and friend. And as evidence of this, let me cite the statements of classics of psychology, management, and drama ABOUT SMILE. Viktor Pavlovich Sheinov, Doctor of Sociological Sciences, Professor of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy of BSU, in his book “Hidden Human Control (Psychology of Manipulation)” writes: “A smile, as a rule, expresses friendliness, the need for approval, openness to communication... When people smile, their the face becomes incomparably better. A smile, according to L. Tolstoy, contains in the face what is called its beauty. There is a direct connection between a person’s mental and physical state and his smile. If your soul is bad, your smile will be painful. If you feel good, smile joyfully. Peace of mind is always reflected in a smile. People appreciate smiles that express affability or friendliness. A smiling face is more likely to endear you. There are always many problems in life. Those people who smile overcome them with less mental and physical losses. The healing properties of a smile Smile not only when you feel good. It has been established that if you force yourself to smile several times when you are in a bad mood, then, despite the forcedness of the smile, you will suddenly feel relief. Well, if the mood is good, then the owner must give smiles left and right - both maintain his own mood and give it to those around him.” Recognized not only in the United States, but also far beyond its borders, the master of communication psychology, Dale Carnegie, in his bestseller “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” devoted many pages to the topic we are discussing. I bring to your attention the most eloquent lines: “Not long ago I attended a dinner in New York. Among the guests was a woman who had received a significant inheritance and was eager to make an impression. She spent a considerable fortune on sables, diamonds and pearls, but did nothing about the expression of her face. It was written on it that she was always dissatisfied with everything and selfish. She did not realize what everyone knows, namely, that the expression on a woman's face is much more important than her clothes... Charles Schwab* told me that his smile was worth a million dollars. And he probably did not even bend the truth, for his personality, charm and ability to please lay at the basis of almost all his amazing successes. And one of his wonderful features was a captivating smile... Actions speak louder than any words, and a smile says: “I like you. You make me happy. I’m glad to see you”... What about an insincere smile? No, she won't deceive anyone. We know that it is artificial, and we resent it. I mean a real, heart-warming smile that comes from within, a smile that is so highly valued. According to the HR manager of a large New York supermarket, he would rather hire a saleswoman who had not completed elementary school but had a charming smile than a doctor of philosophy with a lean face... The ancient Chinese were people wise from life experience. They had a proverb that both you and I should stick on the inside of our hats. It reads: “A person without a smile on his face should not open a store.” Since we mentioned stores, I note that one of the advertisements... contains the following example of artless worldly philosophy. The price of a smile for Christmas: It costs nothing, but it gives a lot. It enriches those who receive it without impoverishing those who give it. It lasts a moment, but sometimes remains in the memory forever. No one is rich enough to do without it, and no one is so poor that he would not become richer from it. It creates happiness in the home, generates an atmosphere of goodwill at work and serves as a password for friends. She is rest for the weary, daylight for the discouraged, a ray of sunshine for the sad, and nature's best antidote to trouble. And yet, it cannot be bought, it cannot be begged, it cannot be borrowed or stolen, since it in itself is not good for anything until it is given away! And if, in the rush of last-minute Christmas shopping, one of our salespeople becomes too tired to give you a smile, would you mind asking us to keep one of yours? After all, no one needs a smile more than those who have nothing left to give! So, if you want people to like you... Smile! Oleg Igorevich Zhdanov, psychophysiologist of the highest category, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor of the Department of Acmeology and Psychology of Professional Activities of the Civil Registry of State Civil Service under the President of the Russian Federation. Based on his own professional experience, the achievements of modern science and ancient Indian teachings, he developed his own health preservation system, to which the book “10,000 days: life management” is dedicated. A smile occupies a significant place in this system: “A pleasant facial expression is very favorable for communication. Finding yourself in a strange environment on an unknown land, you instantly experience the greatest relief when you see sincere, warm smiles on the faces of those around you. And hitherto strangers immediately turn into your friends. A smile is an easy-to-read message for anyone that says: don’t worry, everything is fine, you are accepted here, and nothing threatens you. And you relax, take off your armor of wariness. A Japanese proverb says: “The strongest is the one who smiles.” A smile is an effective tool for positively influencing yourself and others. If the facial muscles “work to smile,” then much more happens than you might imagine: the muscles activate the nerves located in them, and thereby a positive signal is “sent” to the brain.” Vladimir Igorevich Knorring, academician of the International Academy of Sciences (Munich, Germany), professor of the IBDA of the Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation, a famous Russian specialist in the field of management. In his management textbook “Theory, Practice and Art of Management,” he explains the need for a manager to be friendly and be able to correctly use such a universal mechanism as a smile: “In his daily life, at home and at work, a person’s spiritual comfort is ensured by his reaction to the environment. peace, the ability to put blocks in the way of negative stimuli. And if a person gets used to being constantly friendly, smiling, “wishing for his neighbor what he wished for himself,” then his life will undoubtedly be happier... Friendliness and human charm make both the person himself and the people around him happier. Friendliness and personal charm are one of the methods of the art of management, one of the effective ways to influence the individual and the team... an indispensable feature of talented and experienced managers. A boss’s kind, interested attitude towards his subordinates should be reinforced not only with a smile or a warm handshake, but also with a sincere desire to contribute to their career advancement... A smile is characteristic of calm, confident people in themselves and in their lives, it beautifies both young and old, it is a mandatory attribute modern manager... You need to learn everything, including smiling... And in general, look around - how few friendly, smiling faces there are and how many gloomy and preoccupied ones... Smile! Krzysztof Zanussi, a world-famous director, in his speech to television viewers, emphasized, speaking about the art of leadership: “A bad boss does not smile.” And I completely agree with him! Because, as it was said in Grigory Gorin’s play “That Same Munchausen”: “A serious face is not a sign of intelligence, gentlemen. All stupid things on earth are done with this facial expression. Smile, gentlemen! Smile!” Finally, let me share one of my observations with you. There is a very effective means of facial rejuvenation, known since ancient times, universal, instant and free - a smile. Smile and you will look better and younger at any age! ______________________________________________________________ *Charles Schwab is one of the richest people in America, founder and CEO of Charles Schwab & Co. The company serves about 6 million active client accounts both in the United States and in a number of other countries. Charles Schwab is said to have brought the stock market to the masses.
Smiling helps you make money
Research by economists has already been mentioned above, who estimated a smile as a plus 10% to trust. But can you feel its benefits in monetary terms? According to Kathi Tidd and Joan Lockard, back in 1978 they discovered that smiling waitresses tip more. In general, the service sector (hotels, restaurants, air travel, entertainment) requires employees to display certain emotions when communicating with clients. Psychologists call this “emotional labor.”
