How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less

We have approximately 90 seconds to make a favorable impression when we first meet someone.

We have approximately 90 seconds to make a favorable impression when we first meet someone. The greeting sequence. The first few seconds of an encounter are crucial in establishing rapport. Follow the "Open-Eye-Beam-Hi!-Lean" sequence: Open: Adopt a positive attitude and open body language Eye: Make eye contact first Beam: Smile sincerely Hi!: Introduce yourself with a pleasing tone Lean: Subtly lean forward to show interest Importance of congruence. Ensure your words, tone, and body language all convey the same message. People are more likely to trust and believe you when your communication is congruent. This alignment is essential for building credibility and rapport quickly.

Attitudes are like trays on which we serve ourselves up to other people. Choose your attitude wisely. Your attitude sets the tone for any interaction and significantly impacts how others perceive you. Cultivate a Really Useful Attitude that is: Positive Curious Enthusiastic Warm Helpful Impact on communication. Your chosen attitude influences your body language, voice tone, and word choice. By consciously selecting a Really Useful Attitude, you create a more favorable environment for establishing rapport and making people like you quickly.

Synchronizing is a way to make the other person become open, relaxed and happy to be with you. Matching and mirroring techniques. Synchronize with others by subtly matching or mirroring their: Body language Voice tone and speed Breathing patterns Key words and phrases Lead and test rapport. After synchronizing for a few minutes, make a subtle change in your behavior. If the other person follows your lead, you've established rapport. If not, continue synchronizing and try again later.

The average person would perhaps not notice, but to the trained eye and ear there is plenty happening. Open vs. closed body language. Be aware of the signals you're sending: Open: Exposed heart, uncrossed arms, leaning forward Closed: Protected heart, crossed arms, leaning away Voice characteristics. Pay attention to and adjust your: Tone Volume Speed Pitch Rhythm Remember that your body language and voice account for 93% of face-to-face communication, making them crucial elements in establishing rapport.

Questions are the spark plugs of conversation. Open vs. closed questions. Use open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses and keep the conversation flowing: Open: Who? When? What? Why? Where? How? Closed: Are you...? Do you...? Have you...? Location/occasion statements. Begin conversations with a statement about the shared environment or situation, followed by an open question. This technique provides common ground and encourages the other person to open up.