“Everyone smiles in the same language.”

(George Carlin)

How a simple smile can change your communication and mood.

Intro

Imagine walking into a room full of people. Everyone turns to look at you. Your eyes meet. Silence. You quickly consider how to react. Should you look away? Fiddle with your phone? Or say hello quickly? The answer is as simple as it is effective: smile. A simple smile can be the key factor here. It not only changes how others perceive you, but also your own attitude.

What science says

A smile is more than just a gesture. Numerous studies show that it can build bridges between people and play a decisive role for both you and others. One study from 2024 showed that, in conversations, we often automatically smile back when someone smiles at us. This, in turn, leads to increased positive communication and creating an atmosphere of trust and openness. However, smiling is not only a reaction to others’ behavior; it can also influence how people perceive us. One study found that the way we smile conveys information about our personality. An authentic smile increases the accuracy with which others assess our personality, which can significantly improve communication and listening skills in conversation partners.

A smile not only acts as a social catalyst, it also facilitates emotional transitions in conversations. Studies show that smiling relieves tension and opens the door to respectful dialogue. It has a similar effect on us as well. A comprehensive study from 2022 showed that smiling, as a form of “facial feedback”, can positively influence our mood and perceived stress levels. Therefore, smiling is a simple yet effective way to improve our mood.

Small change

In a world where first impressions often determine how we communicate, it’s remarkable how little effort it takes to control this impression positively. It’s simple: smile as soon as you enter a room, start a meeting, or strike up a conversation with someone, whether it’s in the office, at a private meeting, or even in a stressful one. You don’t have to give a big, beaming smile every time to have an effect. Often, a slight but intentional smile is enough to start an interaction on a positive note.

Compounding effect

However, the true value of a simple smile becomes apparent over time. Studies show that positive interpersonal interactions, which are promoted by smiling, can help foster an environment of trust and cooperation. This increases productivity and personal well-being. In other words, the more you smile, the more positive and open others perceive you to be. This can help you advance in many areas of life.

Let’s try it!

Smiling affects not only others, but also ourselves. It is a subtle yet powerful tool for improving the quality of your relationships and your mood. Smiling requires no extra time or effort and can be used in almost any situation. Use it to shape your day and observe how your environment and your own well-being change.

Smiling is contagious. Why not start with yourself?

After smiling, think of the name of the person you just met. Learn more about it here.

For a deeper insight:

Obayashi, Y., Uehara, S., Yuasa, A., & Otaka, Y. (2024). The other person’s smiling amount affects one’s smiling response during face-to-face conversations.

Witkower, Z., Tian, L., Tracy, J., & Rule, N. O. (2024). Smile variation leaks personality and increases the accuracy of interpersonal judgments.

Coles, N. A., et al. (2022). A multi-lab test of the facial feedback hypothesis by the Many Smiles Collaboration.

Kaukomaa, T., Peräkylä, A., & Ruusuvuori, J. (2013). Turn-opening smiles: Facial expression constructing emotional transition in conversation.

Otta, E., Folladore Abrosio, F., & Hoshino, R. L. (1996). Reading a smiling face: messages conveyed by various forms of smiling.