When you walk into a room, what you don't say may make a larger impression than what comes out of your mouth. Your body language, combined with your facial expressions and even your clothes, might be rendering you unapproachable. Maintaining an approachable air can benefit your professional life and may even impact your romantic relationships as well. Make a pointed effort to appear approachable so that opportunities don't pass you by because of a sour disposition or shy body language.
Step 1
Assess your body language, says Online Dating magazine. While you are crossing your arms in front of you because you don't know what to do with your hands, the gesture may come across as rude or closed off to someone near you. Keep your arms away from your chest, and maintain an open stance. Try not to fidget, as it will announce that you are bored.
Step 2
Put a smile on your face. You may not even realize that you're squinting, furrowing your brow or even frowning, so making an effort to keep smiling with other people will deem you approachable, in both professional and private arenas. Remember to smile the moment you enter a room and to keep your smile confident and pleasant.
Step 3
Pay attention to how approachable your clothing and appearance are making you seem, says LostInCubes.com. It's no secret that many people make snap judgments of acquaintances based only on their appearances, so it's important to dress in a clean, polished and neutral way if you hope to be perceived as being approachable. Leave the individualistic and creative dressing for the weekends on your own; when you're hoping to be found approachable, adhere to dress standards of the general group.
Step 4
Make eye contact with those that you hope to talk to. Don't stare them down or hold eye contact longer than three seconds, as it may be construed as being too intense or even intimidating. Catch someone's eye, and when you are able to talk to them, maintain that eye contact. When with a group, make eye contact with everyone in turn, so they perceive that you are listening to everyone equally, notes body language educator Janine Drive on Today.MSNBC.com.
Step 5
Open your mouth. If you want to appear approachable, start approaching others. Being easy to talk to, having a sense of humor and thoughtful responses can make you more sought after. Ask questions and keep the conversation going so that in both your professional and personal life, people see you as approachable.
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