How to be likeable at first sight

Are you hireable? Or dateable? Friendable? People judge you within seconds after meeting you. So it’s a good idea to be the most likeable you can when meeting new people. Business Insider checked out Nicholas Boothman’s “How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less”. According to this book, it only takes four seconds to become somebody’s new buddy.

Be open. Mind your body language and aim your heart directly at the person you're meeting. Don't cover your heart with your hands or your arms. And if you're wearing a jacket, unbutton it. Cultivate a positive attitude.

Make eye contact. Initiate eye contact, but look away again. Staring someone down isn't a great idea. Studies say that most people prefer eye contact that lasts about three seconds. Brief eye contact plus a smile convey that you are serious about being pleased to meet someone.

Smile. Smile. Smile. Particularly at the beginning of the meeting and while greeting. In a job interview: let your smile fade after the initial meet-and-greet. People who grin through an entire job interview rarely score the gig.

Shake hands. When greeting, sound delighted to be making this person's acquaintance. Extend your hand. Give a firm handshake. When introduced, repeat the person's name: "John. Nice to meet you, John!" If you're meeting multiple people and can't shake everyone's hand, point your heart in everyone's direction - one after the other - , say hello, and smile - but don't extend your hand.

Lean in. Do not corner people you meet or intrude into their personal space, just lean forward a tiny bit. Boothman calls it an "almost imperceptible forward tilt" to show that you mean it and are interested in what the person has to say.

Read more atUK Businessinsider

Barbara Bierach