How To Become More Approachable: Tips For Building Lasting Connections

The Minds Journal
3 min readJun 27, 2023

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Are you finding it difficult to establish meaningful connections with others? It could be because you lack an approachable demeanor. Let’s explore how to enhance your approachability, provide examples of being approachable, and develop lasting connections. As social beings, our ability to connect with others is what brings value to our lives. However, some individuals struggle to form connections because they are not perceived as approachable.

How to become more approachable? What does it mean to be approachable? Being approachable entails being open, friendly, and easy to engage in conversation with. It means creating an environment where people feel comfortable and at ease, making them more inclined to initiate interactions.

Furthermore, being approachable fosters trust. Approachability is crucial not only in personal relationships but also in professional settings. When you are approachable, you are more likely to be seen as a leader, and people are more willing to collaborate and work with you. Why is being approachable important? Being approachable is vital because it helps us build relationships with others. When we are approachable, people feel at ease sharing their thoughts, feelings, and ideas with us. This enables us to form meaningful connections and cultivate a sense of community.

How to become more approachable: Tips for building lasting connections Being approachable is also essential in professional contexts as it can contribute to career advancement. When people perceive you as approachable, they are more inclined to want to work with you, recognizing you as a team player. Related: How to be likable?

9 simple ways to become a likable person So, how can you become more approachable? Let’s discover effective strategies for enhancing your approachability:

1. Smile more often: One of the easiest ways to become more approachable is by smiling frequently. A genuine smile signifies friendliness and helps put people at ease. A warm smile conveys that you are friendly, open, and approachable, encouraging others to interact with you. Try smiling more often when you make eye contact with people in public, greet your coworkers, or answer the phone. By smiling, you create a welcoming atmosphere, making others feel more comfortable approaching you. This is an effective method for appearing approachable and friendly.

2. Make eye contact: Establishing eye contact during interactions or greetings is a crucial aspect of becoming more approachable. Eye contact indicates attentiveness, interest, and comfort in social interactions. When you maintain eye contact, it demonstrates your engagement and attentiveness to the speaker. Additionally, eye contact helps establish trust and aids in building connections. Avoid staring, but make a conscious effort to maintain eye contact for a few seconds when initiating a conversation or greeting someone. Proper eye contact subconsciously puts others at ease. Therefore, try to maintain eye contact when conversing with others to enhance your approachability.

3. Be present: Being present is essential if you want to become more approachable. When engaging in a conversation, ensure that you are fully present and engaged. Put away distractions, such as your phone, and give the person your undivided attention. Being present demonstrates that you value the person and what they have to say.

4. Use positive body language: Your body language conveys a great deal about your approachability. If you want to become more approachable, employ positive, inclusive, and open body language when interacting with others.

An open, relaxed, and comfortable posture signals receptiveness and interest in conversation. Related: Power-packed body language tips for making a killer first impression Stand with your feet slightly apart, keep your arms uncrossed and loose at your sides. Avoid fidgeting and slouching. Positive body language also encompasses actions such as uncrossing your arms, leaning in slightly when someone is speaking, and nodding your head to indicate active listening.

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