Mirroring

I want to talk about something we all do but hardly think about which is mirroring. Mirroring is the act of reciprocating the behavior or mannerisms of someone you are interacting with, and is usually most observable in body language and speaking style. By understanding this concept, you will be able to relate with people better.

Be observant of other people’s behavior and accommodate yours to match it.

By replicating someone’s non verbal signs, you come across as more similar to them, which has been proven to be a very strong factor in building rapport and relationships. Similarity is a sub-category of Dr. Robert Cialdini’s pillar of influence called “Liking”. Some of the other factors are physical attractiveness, cooperation, and conditioning.  

Mirroring creates comfortability through similarity. We all have specific neurons in our brain that are active only during action and observation, and when people seem like they have good chemistry, the activity of their mirror neurons are aligned more than normal! 

So, to give it a try, and actively think about mirroring someone else’s mannerisms or behavior in a conversation you have. What you might even notice is that you were already subconsciously mirroring them! This awareness can be used to build better relationship.