 |
|
WHY YOUR SMILE MATTERS
American culture, more so than the traditional European one, is
young, enthusiastic, positive and 'can do'. There is great emphasis
on pleasant, friendly, quality service, on reaching agreement and on
doing business. In our highly competitive world, Americans understand
the need to go the extra mile, to compete, to achieve - and to
succeed.
Service with a smile
A smile is the most powerful tool we have for persuading people to
like us, agree with us and say yes. A smile shows warmth, empathy and
co-operation. Deep down, people want to be liked - and smiling makes
them feel this.
Telephones-sales experts insist that you should smile when you make a
phone call to help establish rapport. It's even more important to
smile when you meet somebody face-to-face - whether you are in a
personal or business situation.
When we smile we show our teeth. When we smile really openly we show
even more teeth. So if we want to show our teeth and give our smile
full impact, they had better look nice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your smile is a powerful image and communication tool
Teeth that look older than they could or badly-cared for can be
off-putting to others. Teeth that are yellow, worn, chipped or
heavily filled with silver-mercury or gold can also be unattractive.
However, white, bright, and relatively straight are far more
approachable and friendly.
Also, when people aren't happy with their teeth, they tend to smile
with their lips shut or pursed, cover their mouth with their hands
while they smile, laugh or even talk - or simply avoid smiling
altogether. Again, this doesn't make for a winning, powerful smile.
It can also give the impression that somebody has something to hide -
making them seem less open and trustworthy.
So smiling - even if sometimes initially forced - is a very important
message that we as humans send to others. It can draw others to us,
socially and lovingly, and also encourage others to agree, co-operate
and do business with us, in whatever form.
The American culture, perhaps subconsciously, has understood and
applied this. The European culture, more stoic, reserved, cynical and
less open is only now learning to appreciate how a smile is a
powerful communication and image tool.
So, remember that your teeth can influence how you smile at others
and also what that smile represents.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What the papers say
In London's Evening Standard on 25 Sept 2001 Wendy Ledger points out that…
A survey for the Royal Mail showed that people who smile
spontaneously have more success in their personal and working lives.
72% of people perceive those who smile frequently to be more
confident and successful, while 86% say they are more likely to
strike up conversations with strangers if they are smiling.
Bosses are 12% more likely to promote people who smile a lot.
Research shows that 65% (many claim an even higher percentage) of
communication is non-verbal. When someone comes into a room (at a
party, or for an interview) people are automatically drawn to their face.
Peter Cosgrove, of Robert Walters (a UK management consultancy) says,
'People who smile a lot are perceived to be more attractive,
intelligent and successful'.
In the Royal Mail survey, detailed above, more than 50% of
respondents said they withheld custom from businesses where they did
not see a smile. So a smile can radiate success and take you further
in your personal and professional life. It also releases feel-good
chemicals in the brain, called endorphins, which make you feel happy.
Feeling and looking happy also draws other people to you more.
However, it is important to remember that a forced smile will come
across as false and can even be off-putting to others. However,
psychologists maintain that the more you smile the more you want to
smile. It becomes self-perpetuating. You can become a happier person.
So what do patients say after having their smiles enhanced through
dentistry? Here are some actual comments…
"People say I look happier and seem to get along better with
me."
"I have been told that I look a little different, they can't put
their 'finger on it. I look healthier or as if I have been on
holiday."
"I actually feel younger and fitter."
"I really do feel more self confident."
"I really find I do smile a lot more."
"It makes me feel like a film star."
So clearly, all the evidence shows that your teeth and their
appearance are crucial for your happiness, well-being and success.
|
|
|
|
|
