Become a Likable Person in 5 Easy Steps

Anyone can be loveable and likeable

Being likeable is what everyone strives to be. We all hope to feel wanted and accepted by an audience. But many people feel that if they’re not born with the natural skill set of instant likability that they’re doomed. But that’s not the case at all.

What does it mean to be likeable

Likability is a feeling that we gravitate toward. It’s demonstrating confidence and being trustworthy toward our audience.

People who are likeable have the ability to gain consensus in a group. They can create an environment that brings out the best in everyone. And they make life fun.

While many people are born with natural abilities that allow them to be likeable, it’s still a skill that you can develop yourself.

Here are five ways to be a more likeable person:

1. Be warm and friendly with your body language

To be a more likeable person, you first have to build a foundation of trust for those around you.

Humans are very intuitive and can instinctively get a sense of a person by the energy they give off. People can sense hostility, nervousness, or happiness by hearing your voice, facial expressions, and how you position your body.

The best way to set the tone with your intentions is to be aware of your body language and energy.

Here’s how to do that: Setting the tone with your body language is easy. The first thing you should do is smile. Smiling is such a welcoming symbol and will instantly create warmth in your surroundings.

Also, be aware of your body language. For example, don’t cross your arms. Crossing your arms signifies that you’re shutting down from the conversation and closing yourself off. Instead, keep your arms at your side or resting on your lap.

These small gestures will make a big difference in creating a warm atmosphere.

2. Give everyone your devoted attention

Everyone wants to feel heard, and they also want to feel like they’re the center of the world. By giving people that platform, you’re making them feel special.

Here’s how to do that: The easiest step to give someone your undivided attention is by removing anything that could be a distraction. Silence your cell phone and place it where you won’t be tempted to reach for it.

3. Listen, don’t speak

This goes hand in hand with giving someone your undivided attention. Conversation between two people is powerful, and by allowing your audience to feel heard, you’re establishing trust.

Here’s how to do that: Make sure your body language is open and welcoming. Make sure you’re making eye contact throughout the conversation. Eye contact is powerful. It creates connection and shows your audience that you’re engaged in the conversation.

4. Steer the conversation away from politics

Politics is a very polarizing topic. There’s never an easy conversation that surrounds it. Everyone has different opinions, which is OK, but you don’t want to be caught in the middle of it.

If you start talking politics and your audience doesn’t agree with your views, that could turn the court of public opinion against you. It’s best to keep the conversation light and steer away from talking politics.

Here’s how to do that: Try to steer the conversation away from any topics that could be controversial and could generate polarizing opinions. The best way to pivot the conversation is by asking them questions.

If they’re talking politics, you could start by asking them how that made them feel and then start to move away from politics by pivoting and telling a story that may relate to one of your questions. Keep your body language light with smiling and laughter.

5. Be authentic

Authenticity establishes trust and builds confidence with your audience. Being authentic also means being true to yourself. Share your values, goals, and life experiences. Being vulnerable allows others to feel safe, and that will establish respect.

Here’s how to do that: Depending on where the conversation goes, share parts of yourself that show vulnerability. Humans are empathetic creatures, and sharing personal stories will allow your audience to relate to you.

Give it a try

The best way to become likeable is by practising these skills. Start small. Use these gestures while spending one-on-one time with someone and building off that experience into a larger group setting.

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