German psychologists from the University of Leipzig studied the basic communication strategies people use when meeting strangers for the first time. They found out what behavior helps evoke sympathy when meeting people. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Psychological Science (PSS).
When two people meet for the first time, they quickly form a first impression of each other. These impressions are based on factors such as appearance, body language, tone of voice, and the content of the initial conversation, and are often based on subtle cues. The brain processes this information quickly and instinctively, using past experiences and social norms to make quick decisions.
Scientists conducted a survey with 139 young people with an average age of 24. Volunteers were divided into groups and their members engaged in five-minute conversations with each other on various topics. Researchers videotaped the conversations. Following these meetings, participants were asked to rate how much they liked each group member.
Psychologists have identified two main types of behavior: agentic and collective. The former is characterized by qualities such as leadership, dominance, confidence and ambition, while the latter is characterized by kindness, goodwill, warmth and friendliness.
Results showed that participants behaved consistently similarly across different interaction partners. However, through the process of interaction they often developed certain levels of liking or disliking for particular individuals.
Participants who demonstrated high levels of both social and agency behaviors tended to be better liked by group members and thus became more popular.
When examining the factors that influence how much a particular person is liked, the general level of collective behavior, especially kindness and friendliness, as well as the general level of collective behavior, was also important. However, higher levels of agentic behavior were associated with lower levels of individual sympathy.
Psychologists have concluded that the best strategy when meeting someone for the first time is to demonstrate both trust and goodwill in equal measure, or one should rely on collective methods of behavior, that is, being polite, polite and friendly. This will help you gain the favor of a particular person.
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