Mirroring: Mastering Subtle Imitation To Win Over Others
Mirroring is a well-known psychological trick, but can it backfire on you?
Mirroring or imitating someone else’s body language is a very popular psychological trick to foster rapport. Most mirror others naturally — it helps us build connections with others on a subconscious level. And practicing mirroring purposefully can help you strengthen your relationships.
The Chameleon Effect
You might have heard the term, “the chameleon effect” before: it refers to the tendency to adopt the mannerisms of someone you are interacting with. It’s just another term for mirroring, but one that’s a bit more understandable. Think of it in this way: in order to stay safe, a chameleon changes its color to match its surroundings (this way, it is less likely to be eaten by a predator). The case is very similar for humans (though not as dire). When we are put in a new situation or are meeting a new person, we tend to adopt others’ gestures to fit in better — standing out has always been a fear in humans (understandable, but also unnecessary in most situations). Nonetheless, mirroring helps make you more likable and trustworthy in others’ eyes.
