How to Smile

Being able to smile is not quite enough, you want to be confident in the way that you smile in order to properly sell yourself. Should you be going through a hard time or simply want to show of those pearly whites that little bit better, understand that a positive outlook starts from within yourself. Smile, even if it takes much effort to do so, and people will smile back, automatically making you feel happier and making you want to smile even more. Smiling works on a positive feedback loop, but this loop needs to start with someone, let it be you!

Photo Credit: Designlazy.com

Steps

1- Appreciate that a smile always looks good regardless of how self-critical you are. Showing crocked teeth, the dimples in your cheeks or the lines on the side of your eyes, is not important. Smiling looks much better than not, despite attributes of it that you may not like. Saying this however, keep good oral hygiene, and take good care of your lips (chapstick?), so that you can have as much confidence in your smile as possible.

2- Know that a smile makes you approachable and human. It is a tool that should be used both professionally and socially. In no way could a smile be destructive to relationships- it can only ever be constructive. Understand and appreciate that you smiling will always be received well by any audience.

3- Work on making your smile seem genuine. It may not truly be genuine, but a degree of authenticity to your smile will help you seem more authentic. The trick here is to smile with your eyes as well as your mouth. Be wide eyed and feel the tops of your cheeks tighten. Practice in front of the mirror. If it helps, imagine happy thoughts, or, at the very least, imagine being happy even if you’re not!

4- Work out whether you are best showing your teeth or not. This is entirely up to you, however whether you show teeth or not should have nothing to do with how well your teeth are presented. The degree of ‘teeth’ in your smile should depend on the natural shape of your mouth. Smile how you feel most comfortable, and then look in the mirror and see how much your teeth are showing. An uncomfortable smile, or one that looks like you’re deliberately trying to hide your teeth, is both obvious and unattractive. If you are self-conscious of your teeth, remember that a smile is not really about how it looks, the attraction given off by a smile is more innate than superficial. Bear in mind that too much teeth could be considered as a grin- something entirely different that may not be received as well as I smile would.

Tips

Find a picture of yourself smiling that you’re particularly fond of. Try and copy it in the mirror. Practice.