Researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany explored the basic communication approaches people use when meeting strangers for the first time. They investigated which behaviors tend to elicit sympathy during initial encounters. The study appeared in the journal Psychological Science (PSS).
When two individuals meet for the first time, they quickly form an impression of one another. These early judgments draw on factors such as appearance, body language, voice tone, and the substance of the opening exchange. Subtle cues drive these rapid assessments, and the brain processes them almost instinctively, guided by past experiences and social norms.
The researchers conducted a survey with 139 young adults, averaging 24 years old. Participants were split into groups, and each member engaged in five-minute conversations on different topics. The conversations were videotaped, and afterward, participants rated how much they liked each group member.
Two primary behavioral styles emerged in the findings: agentic and collective. Agentic behavior is linked with leadership, confidence, determination, and ambition, while collective behavior emphasizes kindness, warmth, and friendliness.
Results indicated that participants tended to act in consistent ways across various interaction partners, yet they frequently formed preferences or aversions toward specific individuals during the exchanges.
Those who exhibited high levels of both social warmth and agentic drive tended to be better liked by others in the group and, as a result, achieved greater popularity. When looking at what drives likability, the overall tendency toward cooperative, considerate behavior played a key role, alongside the general warmth of interaction. Notably, higher agentic displays were often linked to lower levels of individual sympathy for a given person.
The psychologists concluded that the most effective approach when meeting someone new is to balance trust with goodwill, or to rely on collective behavioral cues such as politeness, warmth, and civility. These elements tend to increase the chances of earning another person’s positive regard.
Additional observations suggest that traits historically linked to mental well being can influence social interactions. The study highlights the importance of cultivating a balanced communication style that blends confidence with empathy, especially in unfamiliar social settings. These insights contribute to a practical framework for making favorable first impressions in everyday social and professional encounters. The research underscores that genuine friendliness, coupled with respectful confidence, often yields the best interpersonal outcomes in initial meetings [Psychological Science, 2015].