[Image by skjarvis of Pixabay]
My clients know that a smile is one aspect of nonverbal language which is essential for all public speakers. What they may not know is that a smile has many benefits. According to a posting in Verywell mind, the expertise of Mark Stibich, PhD tells us ten benefits of smiling are:
- Smiling helps you live longer
- Smiling relieves stress
- Smiling elevates mood
- Smiling is contagious
- Smiling boosts the immune system
- Smiling may lower blood pressure
- Smiling reduces pain
- Smiling makes you attractive
- Smiling suggests success
- Smiling helps you stay positive
These 10 reasons are quite significant, however please know that your smile can not only be seen but your smile also can be heard. As a public speaker, it’s imperative to not only look positive but to sound positive.
When a speaker sounds positive, it usually has the effect of creating more trust in the listener(s). Trust is vitally important in all aspects of communication. It often sets the stage for establishing and building solid relationships. That’s something we all want but don’t necessarily attain.
Smiling may take different forms. While there are several types of smiles, the Duchenne smile is worth noting. It includes the mouth, the cheeks and the eyes all simultaneously. When you use this type of smile authentically it makes you appear more trustworthy and more friendly. It has also been beneficial in generating better customer service outcomes (Healthline).
Therefore, it behooves each of us to smile more often and reap the value of smiling both personally and professionally. If this behavior doesn’t come naturally to you, it can easily be practiced. You may wish to start with what I call a “half-smile” which a step in the right direction. Check your smile ability in a mirror, camera, or video. You can also feel a smile because it takes 72 muscles to frown and 14 to smile. You can feel movement in your cheeks, eyes, and face when smiling.
Go ahead and smile!