We communicate in verbal and non-verbal ways, and how we go about this can improve our sociability quotient and make us more likeable. Non-verbal ways include making eye contact, smiling and appearing approachable. When it comes to verbal communication, the following words or statements can have a big impact on how well you come across to others. Try to include these in your conversations and you’ll be making everybody’s party list.
1. You look well/pretty/amazing/relaxed…
Compliments are a great way to spread goodwill in the world. Do it when you mean it though, not just for the sake of it. You’ll brighten up someone else’s day and set yourself firmly within another person’s ‘likeability’ radar.
2. How can I help?
When you make others feel important you are instantly more likeable than someone who offers no value. Offering help shows that you have noticed a need and care enough to say something about it.
3. Thank you
Everyone likes to feel appreciated and these two little words can make a person feel that their effort was worthwhile.
4. Why not?
Be open minded and encourage creative, outside-the-box thinking. When we are non-judgemental, others feel more accepted and relaxed in our company. When we inspire others we instantly become more likeable. Sometimes we all need a nudge in the right direction.
5. You can do it
Inspiring words can make the difference between success and failure. Encouragement is always welcome and raises how likeable you are. People who inspire others tend to be likeable, as they consider others and aren’t wrapped up in themselves.
6. I believe in you
We all have lapses in self-belief and knowing that someone else sees our potential and is rooting for us can motivate us to move forward. We find others more likeable when they make us feel good.
7. Here’s what’s happening
Feeling included is a basic human need. When someone keeps us informed we feel included, important and involved.
8. You’re welcome
When others perform an act of service and seem happy to do this, it can feel very validating to the person on the receiving end. Feeling welcome makes us feel included.
9. I’ll find out
Being helpful to others will always promote how likeable you are. Having a ‘can do’ attitude will get you far in life.
10. How are you?
We all like it when someone shows a genuine interest in us and most people will respond favourably when asked how they are doing.
11. You did really well
A job well done feels even better when others notice and comment on our results. When others feel good about themselves in your company, you will be more likeable.
12. I enjoy your company
Said with sincerity, this sentence can have a big impact on another person and influence how likeable we are. We all like validation, and feeling accepted allows us to feel happy and shows that we are doing well on the social skills front.
13. What do you think about …?
We all like to be asked our opinion on various issues. It shows us that others care about our opinions and about what we want too.
14. Congratulations
Success in life isn’t quite the same if you have no one to share it with. When others congratulate you, you almost get to relive the great experience again and it feels good to know that others share in your happiness. Acknowledging other people’s victories increases how likeable you will be.
15. I appreciate you
We all love appreciation. Positive acknowledgement from others feels good and lets us know that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.
16. Sorry
This little word can be tough to say sometimes but its impact can make all the difference. Realising when we are at fault and saying so shows that we can admit to our faults and nurtures respect in others. When you seem reasonable you are more likeable.
17. I miss you
Depending on the circumstances, “I miss you,” can be hard to say when we don’t want to seem vulnerable, but it can change the whole dynamic between two people in a positive way.
18. I understand
When you genuinely ‘get’ what another person is saying to you, it can be satisfying to know that you are both on the same wavelength. When someone connects with you on a deeper level they will find you more likeable.
19. I’m here for you no matter what
Knowing that someone else is there for us and isn’t just a ‘fair-weather’ friend can be one of the most important things in life. Feeling supported and unconditionally accepted is a real gift in a world that is full of fickle people.
20. This too shall pass
We all need reassurance at times, and when life gets tough we need a reminder that one thing that is certain in life is change. Emotions can overwhelm us and these four words from another can help us to be less afraid and keep perspective.
Positive words don’t cost us anything but they can have a huge impact on others in a very positive way and make us more likeable and fun to be around. It seems a ‘no-brainer’ to use our words wisely to help us navigate successfully through life, forge happy satisfying relationships, feel empowered and connected with the world around us.
Featured photo credit: Phillip Stearns via farm6.staticflickr.com
