You Can Usually Tell How Likable Someone Is By This One Conversation Habit, Says Harvard Study
Helena Lopes | Canva It might be an inconvenient truth, but being likable is something we all naturally crave as humans, even if we don't outwardly express that desire. But if you think people are born charming, you’re mistaken — likability can be learned and honed, just like any other skill.
According to psychologist Dr. Guy Winch, "Being friendly and likable boils down to being agreeable, making people feel comfortable and welcome, and making them feel accepted, understood, and valued." Most of us default to talking about ourselves when we want to make a good impression, when the research actually points in the opposite direction entirely.
But what is it that makes a person likable? According to a Harvard University study, the secret to being more likable and improving interpersonal bonding isn’t being polite, helpful, or having a good sense of humor.
Research reveals that the most likable people ask thoughtful questions in conversation
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The research examined the role of asking questions in interpersonal relationships
Harvard colleagues scrutinized thousands of natural conversations among participants who were getting to know each other, either in online chats or on in-person speed dates.
The researchers told some people to ask at least nine questions within 15 minutes, and the rest to ask no more than four within 15 minutes. In the online chats, the people who were randomly assigned to ask many questions were better liked by their conversation partners.
Among the speed daters, people were more willing to go on a second date with partners who asked more questions.
It makes sense — we all want to feel someone is interested in us. People tend to talk a lot about themselves, especially when they’re trying to impress someone. But that’s not the best strategy to make a positive impression.
When you show genuine interest in someone by asking them questions regarding their life, thoughts, and feelings, and pivot the focus of the conversation from yourself onto the other person, that’s how you win them over. There is a catch, though.
According to the research, the order of the questions you ask someone matters, too
If you want to build up trust, rapport, and intimacy, you should start with relatively shallow and insignificant questions and progress to more private/deep ones. Imagine you’re introduced to someone. Once you exchange names, the first thing they ask you is what’s your biggest fear or the thing you regret most in life. Wouldn’t that make you feel uncomfortable?
Although these two questions would make for an interesting and deep conversation, you can’t pour your heart out to someone you know nothing about. Before you get into the deep stuff, first you need to build a sense of connection between you and the other person.
Always start with the simple. Try asking them where they are from, what their hobbies are, and if they have any pets. Then, gradually, you can opt for more personal questions.
Follow-up questions are an ace up your sleeve. When trying to make a good impression on someone, follow-up questions are a great asset because they signal an interest in the person you are talking to.
They also open the room for a genuine conversation between you and the person you’re talking to, rather than a rapid or awkward exchange of questions and one-line responses. Here are some examples of follow-up questions you can use to enhance the flow of your conversation and create the impression of a likable person:
- Can you tell me more about…?
- Why do you think that?
- What do you mean by…?
- What about you?
People warm up to you faster when your questions feel relaxed and genuine
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You don’t want to sound like an interviewer but someone interested in getting to know the other person more. Being likable isn’t a personality trait you’re born with. It might come more naturally to some people than others, but anyone can cultivate this skill.
Likability can be learned and honed, just like any other skill. The secret to making a good impression on someone? Ask them more questions.
At the end of the day, when we’re having a conversation with someone, we all want to feel they’re genuinely interested in us. Talking mainly about yourself, no matter how admirable your achievements or knowledge are, isn’t the best strategy to impress someone.
First impressions are important; you can't take them back. One University of California, Davis study found that making a good first impression can often lead to a relationship, so turn the focus of the conversation on the other person instead. Show them you want to know them on a deeper level. Make them feel like you’re interested in seeing their authentic self.
Start from the small stuff to build up trust. Gradually ask more personal questions. Always keep the tone light. Watch the magic happen.
Margaret Pan is a freelance writer on a journey to unravel the complexities of human experience through the written word.
