Life
Ways To Be The Most Dynamic Person In The Room
Some people just seem to have it? Am I right? They walk into a room and everyone seems to be suddenly magnetized to them. What do they know they we don’t? Likely, they tend to practice the ways to be the most dynamic person in the room, all of which each of us “regular” folk are more than capable of doing as well. Instead of sulking thinking we’ll never be quite as dynamic as these peers, let’s instead discuss some ways these people actually make their magic happen.
When I think of someone who is innately dynamic, I think of my brother. I’ve always felt semi-annoyed by his ability to get everyone to like him. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve had people approach me to tell me how interesting of a person my brother is. “Why?” I’d think to myself, while nodding politely. He and I have the same upbringing and many similar life experiences, yet when he speaks people are much more drawn to him in comparison. When I started looking into what makes people so likeable and dynamic to others, I realized my brother practices all of these things when he’s in a room of people. I also realized others in my life that I consider to “have it” also do these things. If you’re someone like me who wants to get to that level, consider the points below and try to practice some of them at your next outing. Here are seven easy ways to be the most dynamic person in the room.
1. Don’t Be Afraid Of Some Eye Contact
Are you ever in a room filled with people you’re not completely comfortable with, and all you can seem to do it stare down at your phone or look off into space? Stop right there. You’re never going to be the most interesting person there if you’re not really even there. According to Forbes, speakers who actively seek out eye contact while they’re talking are thought to be more believable, confident, and competent then those who don’t. When people are speaking to you, look right at them. When you’re speaking to people, look right at them, again.
2. Be A Great Listener
You’ve probably heard this time and time again, but listening is such a simple way to increase your likability. According to Reader’s Digest, to be more interesting, listen to all aspects of what those around you are trying to say — whether that’s something about their hobbies, family, travel plans, and more. The outlet added that if you’re familiar with the topics they’re discussing, you’ll find the conversation will just flow naturally. The key point here, though, is to actually listen. Most people will be able to tell if you’re listening or “listening,” so keep that in mind.
3. Ask Follow Up Questions
Now that you’ve let the people around you say some things about themselves, show how well you were listening by asking follow up questions. Business Insider suggested following up with thoughtful and necessary questions (but not going too far so that it’s considered prying). The outlet said by listening and then following it with relevant questions to deepen the conversation, people will remember you as interesting.
4. Dress To Impress
Will people remember you if you showed up in sweatpants and a ripped shirt to a fancy work dinner? Absolutely. Will it be for the right reasons? Maybe not. If you want to be dynamic, you should plan to dress dynamically. According to Woman’s Day, the way you’re dressed will tell a story about you. This is true whether we like it or not. If you want to impress, use your attire as a way to supplement that goal. Woman’s Day suggested adhering to an outfit that’s appropriate for whatever situation you’re heading into. The right attire might also help you feel confident, so you won’t have to spend much time worrying about how your outfit is might you feel and can instead devote the focus on the conversations you’re having.
5. Have A Few Good Stories Ready To Tell
You’ve done your fair share of listening, now be prepared for people to ask about you. According to The Week, you should always have three good stories on hand to tell at a moment’s notice if you’re trying to be the most interesting person in the room. Make sure these stories are engaging, informative, and/or entertaining, the outlet said. What should these stories be about specifically? The Week suggested choosing stories that involve people versus things. It makes sense — realistically, are you going to be more interested in something else’s story about a funny thing that happened while on vacation with their family, or about the new software they’ve installed on their computer? Remember, too, to keep the story (or stories) you’re telling appropriate for the occasion.
6. Offer Up Specific Details
Let’s say you’re at a work event, and someone from your company approaches you and mentions they’re a graphic designer. Then, another person comes up and says they’re also a graphic designer who creates the visuals used on your company’s website. Likely, the second interaction is going to be more memorable. According to INC., experts say the more specific people are when they speak to you, the more likely you are to think of them as memorable. If you want people to remember you as dynamic and interesting, try to be specific as possible about what you do, or the things you’re telling those around you.
7. Remember To Stay Humble
The goal here is to be dynamic, right? When you think of a dynamic person, likely you think of someone who is confident and a big presence. However, just because you’re confident and forward does not mean you need to be conceited. TheMuse.com cited research out of British Psychological Society Digest that showed “people will choose to be around other people who favor humility.” That said, try to remain humble. This is simply to say you don’t need to brag about your accomplishments until those around you are blue in the face (keep this in mind when consider those three stories you’ll have on hand, too). TheMuse.com suggested not being afraid to head into a conversation with a “beginner’s mind” — being curious about things you don’t know and being willing to ask questions. This can help show those around you that you don’t think you’re above their level, by any means.
Being dynamic in a room does not have to be difficult. In fact, it’s quite easy by practicing some of these tips. Try it out at your next function, and you might be pleasantly surprised at the result.