4 Ways Your Smile Can Add Face Value

"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness" -- William Arthur Ward

Nothing can communicate happiness, energy, or enthusiasm quite like a smile. When we look at all the tools or weapons in our human relationship arsenal, none may be as effective, or as overlooked, as this warm and genuine curve of expression. We may be putting great effort into choosing just the right words or in conjuring just the right phrases to let people know how much we care and even our intent to serve. But, are we doing it with a smile on our face?

In one of my networking groups, we have a dentist who opens every 60 second introduction or commercial with the words; "smile, friends." What gives his words power is the genuine smile he wears before, during, and after. For that reason, Dr. Daniel Lipnik is one of my favorite people. He's also considered to be quite an inspiration to others -- and it all begins with his deliberate decision to smile.

So, what are some of the additional benefits of smiling and how can such a simple act add face value to our relationships and to our success? Let's look at these four:

1.      Smiling relieves stress. A study conducted by psychological scientists Tara Kraft and Sarah Pressman of the University of Kansas, suggests that "holding a smile on one's face during periods of stress may help the heart." It seems that in this age of technology and 24/7 access, the number of stressors and stressful situations are increasing -- and it doesn't seem likely that will change in the future. Heart health is and should be a major concern for all of us. The good news is the study also suggests that we don't have to necessarily be happy to reap the smile benefit. So, the next time we're stuck in traffic or staring down a long line, let's put a smile on our face and just "grin and bear it."

2.     Smiling is a universal language. A warm smile knows no language barrier and translates in any culture. Author Denis Waitley says: "A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside." While language, customs, and gestures may indicate something different from culture to culture, a genuine smile is always universally recognized and welcomed. 

3.     Smiles are contagious. Have you ever tried to hold a frown in the presence of an enthusiastic smile? It's really hard to do. I can remember watching the old TV show, Make Me Laugh. There were many times when the comedian induced smiles and laughter without ever saying a word. Sometimes just a knowing and maybe slightly devious smile was all it took. I'm sure most of us want to be viewed as a positive influence in whatever situation we happen to be in. If we can't be witty, charming, or engaging, at least we can be smiley -- and that smile might just be the "bug" that room needs.

4.     Smiles can inspire action. Since a genuine smile can communicate happiness and enthusiasm, it can also motivate us to do something about it. We know that smiling attracts others and lets them see that extra spring in our step. We then become an example and even a source of energy to those around us. In other words, our smile may be saying and doing more to inspire others than anything that is coming out of our mouth. At the very least, our smile helps us set the tone for what we want to communicate and empowers our words and our efforts to influence the people around us.

A smile doesn't cost us a thing and it is something we can improve and develop the more we use it. We can make use of our smile even when we're talking on the phone. Since the person on the other end of the conversation cannot see our expression and has only the sound of our voice to work with, it is important that we communicate with enthusiasm and a warm friendly tone. A smile does that very thing.

Radio announcers are trained to smile whenever they are speaking into the microphone. It helps build goodwill with listeners and gives them the feeling the announcer is speaking specifically to them. As a former announcer, I can attest to the value of the "radio smile", even though I remember thinking I looked like an idiot as I caught my reflection on the studio glass. Still, I continued to practice my smile anytime I was on the air, and even did so in my mirror at home. I suggest you do the same.

It may feel foolish to see yourself smiling like the Cheshire Cat, but is an exercise that can improve your health, your relationships, and the size of your bank account.  The thought of accomplishing just those three things should justify the extra effort and definitely make you -- Smile!