In a world where we’re communicating more than ever via Zoom and video platforms, it’s never been more important to put our best face — and smile — forward. As we navigate this new normal, it’s important to build your nonverbal communication skills to help you understand how others are feeling, even if you aren’t physically present.  Here are some tips on how to be a better communicator using the psychology of smiling in the workplace.

Smiling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to communicate without words, but smiling too much (and fake smiling) can make you look disingenuous to others. While smiling is still very much encouraged, there are certain scenarios when it’s best to not smile at all. 

The Psychology of Smiling at Work: How to Become a Better Communicator Share on X

How To Be A Better Communicator

The Psychology Of Smiling: Why Genuine Smiles Are the Best Kind

The benefits of genuine smiles are numerous. Not only does smiling help boost the chemicals responsible for happiness and optimism, but smiles can also build relationships with others and serve as a stress reliever. 

There are many different types of smiles but the one that benefits you the most is a genuine, Duchenne smile. This type of smile is characterized by upturned lips showing your teeth that travel all the way up to your eyes, resulting in crow’s feet or wrinkling in the corners of your eyes.  

Genuine smiles are great for strengthening relationships with coworkers and showing a positive attitude in the workplace. Here are a few more reasons why genuine smiles at work can be a great thing.

Boosts Productivity

A genuine smile can also improve the mood of those around you, which can lead to a spike in productivity. In fact, a study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School found that workers were 13% more productive when happy.

Makes You A Better Leader

A smile can be a great way to build trust with another, especially if you’re managing people. Smiling helps create a positive environment where employees feel comfortable around you. 

This leadership training by LevelUp Leader is very helpful and would help you identify your leadership style and how best to use it to mold yourself and create great teams with your acquired leadership skills.

Improves Confidence 

Confident people tend to be happy people. A genuine smile shows you’re an approachable and trustworthy person. This is why it’s important to limit any fake smiles so that your true smile can really shine when you mean it to. If you’re struggling with building your confidence, there are many helpful tips to help you boost your confidence.

Here are some helpful resources to help you build and boost your self-confidence

7 Effective Strategies To Build Great Self-Esteem and Confidence

How To Build Your Self-Confidence As A Woman

3 Strategies That Will Have Feeling Confident and Capable In No Time

How Your Smile Affects Your Self Confidence

4 Practical Ways To Build Self Confidence

15 Self-Confidence Boosters You Need To Know ASAP

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Over-Smile at Work

Smiles certainly have a place in the workplace, but there are certain scenarios when it’s best to avoid a smile — especially if it’s not genuine. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t plaster on a smile at work. 

• You may confuse people from other cultures. Americans tend to be smiley people, as greeting others with a smile has long been the norm. But that’s not true of every country or culture. Do your homework before meeting with a new client, because some cultures don’t view smiling as proper behavior in the same way we do in the U.S. 
• You appear insincere. Too much smiling can make others view you as disingenuous. This is particularly important to note in the workplace, where you want to be seen as trustworthy and forthright. Too much smiling can also make you seem naive, especially for women. Learning when to smile and when not to at work can help you appear and feel more assertive, which can help you grow as an employee and set healthy boundaries in your work life and personal life. 
• It’s the wrong time to smile. A smile isn’t always appropriate, though humans have a tendency to smile when they’re unsure of how to act or feel uncomfortable in a situation. However, smiling at the wrong time can confuse others and send mixed messages, so it’s best to nix the smile if you’re having a tough conversation with a coworker or have to deliver bad news. 

Related

How To Be More Assertive: Learning Assertive Communication Skills

How To Stand Up For Yourself When You Need To

Conclusion: How To Become A Better Communicator

To help you master the art of smiling at work, Auraglow has created this helpful infographic that details specific smiling scenarios that tell you when you should and shouldn’t smile, along with smiling statistics and tips for looking and feeling your best at work. Once you understand the best times to smile and when not to, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a great nonverbal communicator in and out of the office. 

So, there you have it, Queens. How to be a better communicator at work and outside your work environment. Let me know what you think in the comments.

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