Unlocking the Secrets of First Impressions: The Key to Likeability and Connection

The power of agentic and communal behaviors and nonverbal cues in shaping our perception of strangers

Photo by Haut Risque on Unsplash

When we meet someone new, we instantly form an impression of them. So often, we make a snap decision: “I don’t like them,” or “I like that person.” This crucial first impression can significantly impact our future interactions, friendship development, or even hiring decisions.

Social psychological research suggests that specific behaviors are vital in shaping our initial perception of strangers. For example, in a study by Dufner & Krause (2023), unrelated young adults met in small groups, engaging in brief one-on-one interactions. After each encounter, they rated their likability and willingness to befriend the stranger.

Trained observers analyzed each interaction for “agentic” and “communal” behaviors. Agentic behaviors are self-assured, dominant, and occasionally boastful, while communal behaviors are courteous, friendly, benevolent, and warm.

Strangers who displayed high levels of both agentic and communal behaviors were more likable initially. However, for establishing a deeper connection, only communal behaviors predicted whether people would want to form a…