NurdiansyahWhen interacting with the interlocutor, mutual interest is vital in the continuity of the conversation. Gestures, body gestures, style of speech, diction, and there is much that you should pay attention to trigger the other person's interest. You can use various techniques, one of which is the Mirroring technique.
This Mirroring method is fairly practical because all you do is imitate some of the gestures or words of the other person. Although fairly simple, with the Mirroring technique, you can show that you pay attention or listen to what the other person is saying.
Mirroring is a method of imitating the movements or words of the other person. You can imitate gestures, expressions, facial expressions, postures, language styles, and even the rhythm of speech. That way, the other person will feel they have much in common with you, which can lead to a more intense conversation.
Mirroring is an innate human trait from mirror neurons --- special neurons that drive imitation. These neurons have been active since the baby's age; it can be seen from the behaviour of the baby who is studying the activities of the people around him. This mirroring activity also influences a person's adaptation to an environment.
Benefits of Mirroring for Waiters or Sales
For servers or other workers who deal directly with customers, mirroring can be an added value because customers will feel more listened to and appreciated with this technique. The deeper communication can be established, the better, so customers will trust you more.
This attachment between servers and customers can also make customers happy to visit your place of work. Few customers bring gifts or give appreciation when they feel comfortable with the services provided.
In addition to building the interlocutor's interest, mirroring can also be a tool to confirm orders or customer wishes to minimize errors.
Tips for Maximizing Mirroring Techniques
- Do not imitate all the movements and words of the other person; some people will feel irritated if all their words are imitated.
- Repeat the sentence or words that are the focus of the conversation. For example, if you are a restaurant waiter, repeat the customer's order.
- Pay attention to situations and conditions, and avoid imitating words that are too long if the other person is in a hurry.
Although it is a simple activity, the mirroring technique should be done carefully, especially in appropriate situations. You must keep your eye on it carefully and specifically to create an effective conversational environment.
Image source: Image of Mirroring | https://www.theemotionmachine.com/the-unconscious-influence-of-mirroring/