Buzz
Whether you're promoting a product, delivering a speech, or trying to connect with new people, earning someone's trust can be difficult, especially when they don't know you at all. Fast Company points out that the key is striking a balance between authenticity and credibility.
According to Fast Company’s Lisa Evans, citing Wharton School of Business professor Maurice Schweitzer, earning trust boils down to four essential factors, a strategy psychologists have long used to gain patients’ trust. By understanding these elements, you can leverage them when aiming to make a strong, trustworthy first impression.
Building credibility: The language you use or even your appearance can play a significant role in how credible you appear.
Exhibiting warmth: It's important to make the other person feel comfortable and welcome.
Bridging status gaps: Evans suggests that to build trust within a team, managers should remove any items in their office that emphasize their power over others. This could include something as simple as taking off a suit jacket or tie…”
Being vulnerable: Showing a bit of awkwardness or sharing a silly joke can humanize you and encourage empathy from the other person.
When these four factors are combined, they can significantly enhance your ability to earn trust. While it's tempting to think about using these skills for manipulation, let's assume you're using them for good—such as in a job interview, where gaining someone's trust is often essential.
For further details, be sure to read the full article below.
Image credit: cherylholt.
