Quickie: Want to Attract a New Love Interest? Nod Your Head
This little nonverbal cue can make a big difference
Nonverbal communication can be as important as the words you speak, so when you’re trying to impress a potential partner, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the message your body language may be sending. And if you really want to make sure you connect with a love interest, research in Perception suggests that it’s a good idea to nod your head whenever you speak to them.
During the study, researchers had 49 participants view 15 three-dimensional computer-based female models and rate them for their likability, approachability, and attractiveness. Based on participants’ scores on a 100-point scale, the models that were nodding received the highest marks.
“Our study also demonstrated that nodding primarily increased likability attributable to personality traits, rather than to physical appearance,” researcher Jun-ichiro Kawahara explained.
In fact, the models that were shown nodding their heads received 30 percent higher likeability scores than those that were not moving their head, as well as those that were shaking their heads. This also held true for study participants’ perception of the models’ approachability, so those nodding received 40 percent higher scores on that trait than…
