How to Be Sincere
Use sincere body language., Be an active listener., Understand another's point of view.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Use sincere body language.
Body language can convey a great deal about your attitude, and it can easily reveal sincerity (or a lack thereof).
When you interact with others, try to be mindful of your posture, mannerisms, and behavior.Make steady eye contact, but don't stare.
Look away every now and then, and don't forget to blink.
Maintain a relaxed posture, but keep your body slightly poised.
You can do this by very slightly leaning toward the person you're talking to, or reaching out/gesturing towards that person. -
Step 2: Be an active listener.
One easy way to show sincerity to others is by being an active listener.
As someone speaks to you, keep an open mind about what that person is saying.Practicing active listening skills show others that you are taking a sincere interest in what they have to say, and that you genuinely want to know more about the thoughts and feelings of others.
Face the person you're talking to.
When you have a genuine reaction to what someone else is saying, your facial cues will give that reaction away.
Your eyebrows will raise, your eyes may widen, and your mouth will reveal your emotional reaction.
Facing someone will let them see your reactions, and it will convey to them that you are engaged and interested.
Ask open-ended questions to allow the other person to elaborate.
For example, don't just ask, "Did you like living there?" This type of question will elicit a yes or no response.
Instead, you can ask something like, "Wow, I've never been there before.
What was it like for you? What are some memories you have of living there?" This shows your engagement and your curiosity.
Reflect on what has been said by the other person before giving your own response.
Your conversational partner may be thinking of how to phrase something, or simply leaving a pause in the conversation for dramatic effect.
If you rush to say whatever is on your mind, it will not convey a sincere conversational interest in that person's thoughts and opinions., If you refuse to consider why another person thinks/feels the way they do, you will not be able to have a sincere conversation with that person.
Understanding someone else's point of view does not necessarily mean abandoning your own perspective.
Rather, you should try to understand what motivates others, and what life experiences may have shaped another person's point of view.Once you are capable of seeing the world through someone else's eyes, you'll develop a more sincere understanding of who that person is and what made him the way he is.
Instead of criticizing someone else's musical tastes, for example, try to understand what about that music might be appealing.
Perhaps the lyrics speak to the other person.
Or perhaps the loud bass lines of a dance song allow someone who is normally shy to break out of her shell and make moves on the dance floor.
Before you argue with someone about politics, try to understand why that person holds his or her values.
Someone who was raised by immigrants who grew up very poor might have strong opinions about the experience of immigrants, which could affect that person's political ideology.
Seeing the world through someone else's perspective helps you become less judgmental and more compassionate. -
Step 3: Understand another's point of view.
Detailed Guide
Body language can convey a great deal about your attitude, and it can easily reveal sincerity (or a lack thereof).
When you interact with others, try to be mindful of your posture, mannerisms, and behavior.Make steady eye contact, but don't stare.
Look away every now and then, and don't forget to blink.
Maintain a relaxed posture, but keep your body slightly poised.
You can do this by very slightly leaning toward the person you're talking to, or reaching out/gesturing towards that person.
One easy way to show sincerity to others is by being an active listener.
As someone speaks to you, keep an open mind about what that person is saying.Practicing active listening skills show others that you are taking a sincere interest in what they have to say, and that you genuinely want to know more about the thoughts and feelings of others.
Face the person you're talking to.
When you have a genuine reaction to what someone else is saying, your facial cues will give that reaction away.
Your eyebrows will raise, your eyes may widen, and your mouth will reveal your emotional reaction.
Facing someone will let them see your reactions, and it will convey to them that you are engaged and interested.
Ask open-ended questions to allow the other person to elaborate.
For example, don't just ask, "Did you like living there?" This type of question will elicit a yes or no response.
Instead, you can ask something like, "Wow, I've never been there before.
What was it like for you? What are some memories you have of living there?" This shows your engagement and your curiosity.
Reflect on what has been said by the other person before giving your own response.
Your conversational partner may be thinking of how to phrase something, or simply leaving a pause in the conversation for dramatic effect.
If you rush to say whatever is on your mind, it will not convey a sincere conversational interest in that person's thoughts and opinions., If you refuse to consider why another person thinks/feels the way they do, you will not be able to have a sincere conversation with that person.
Understanding someone else's point of view does not necessarily mean abandoning your own perspective.
Rather, you should try to understand what motivates others, and what life experiences may have shaped another person's point of view.Once you are capable of seeing the world through someone else's eyes, you'll develop a more sincere understanding of who that person is and what made him the way he is.
Instead of criticizing someone else's musical tastes, for example, try to understand what about that music might be appealing.
Perhaps the lyrics speak to the other person.
Or perhaps the loud bass lines of a dance song allow someone who is normally shy to break out of her shell and make moves on the dance floor.
Before you argue with someone about politics, try to understand why that person holds his or her values.
Someone who was raised by immigrants who grew up very poor might have strong opinions about the experience of immigrants, which could affect that person's political ideology.
Seeing the world through someone else's perspective helps you become less judgmental and more compassionate.
About the Author
Andrew Reynolds
Specializes in breaking down complex DIY projects topics into simple steps.
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