[Image by Kranich17 of Pixabay]
Most of us know there are quite a few benefits to smiling. What we may not know is that smiling is an asset in public speaking. Here’s why:
- Smiling is contagious (in a good way).
- Smiling helps people to feel more relaxed.
- Smiling connects us with other individuals.
- Smiling encourages others to feel more trusting.
- Smiling brings on more warmth.
- Smiling is engaging.
- Smiling makes a statement about our competence (efactor consulting).
- Smiling helps to lift our facial muscles, making us look younger (Amy Rees Anderson).
- Smiling reduces our blood pressure (Amy Rees Anderson).
- Smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin (Amy Rees Anderson).
- Smiling boosts our immune system (Amy Rees Anderson).
- Smiling helps to attract others (Amy Rees Anderson).
Smiling is one aspect of nonverbal language and has tremendous benefits. It’s easy to forget to smile when we’re feeling distracted or feeling nervous. Therefore, remembering to smile is invaluable and as noted in this post, has multiple positive effects. As stated by Ms. Anderson, the act of smiling has positive results in our health, happiness, and success.
I highly recommend smiling more frequently so you can reap all the gains, particularly as a public speaker. If you’d like to discuss this further, please reach out to me by phone or email. You and your situation are unique so what you think matters to me a great deal.