There’s a classic song from Annie that’s been stuck in my head lately –
“You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”
Cheesy? A bit.
But also… one of the truest things ever.
I was thinking about it the other day when my camera accidentally flipped around and caught me staring down at my phone — eyebrows furrowed, lips pursed, deep in concentration.
Yikes.
You know the face. We all make it.
That “I’m just trying to figure this out” look.
It’s intense. It’s focused.
And it’s nothing like the energy we give off when we smile.
Because the moment we smile?
We soften. We warm up. We become approachable.
We are human. Real.
😄 Your Smile Is Your Brand
Your smile isn’t just for holiday cards or headshots. It’s your brand.
It’s what makes people:
- Feel safe
- Feel seen
- Feel connected to you
Before you ever say a word, your smile tells the world: I’m here. I care. You can trust me.
And this isn’t just feel-good fluff. The science backs it up.
✅ 5 Research-Backed Reasons to Smile (Especially on Camera)
- Smiling makes you more likable, competent, and approachable. A Penn State study found that people who smile are seen as more attractive, sincere, sociable, and competent. In other words, smiling isn’t just nice. It changes how people rate you on all fronts.
- Smiles are contagious. There’s a reason the old saying goes: “If someone doesn’t have a smile, give them one of yours.” Neurologically, our brains are wired to mirror facial expressions. When you smile, you’re literally inviting others to smile back.
- Smiling builds trust. According to a study in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, adding a smile increases perceived trustworthiness by nearly 10% compared to a neutral expression. Think about that the next time you join a Zoom call.
- Smiling — even fake smiling — boosts your mood. Your body doesn’t always know the difference. When you smile, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin — natural mood boosters that help you feel calm and confident.
- First impressions are made in under 10 seconds. And that’s being generous. Often, people judge your trustworthiness, competence, and confidence within milliseconds. That’s why showing up on time — and looking presentable and pleasant — matters. Your smile sets the tone before you even speak.
Smiling is a life skill — but it’s especially vital in a virtual world.
How many times have you joined a video call and instantly felt the vibe of the room based on someone’s facial expression? Maybe they’re distracted, looking at another screen, or just… expressionless. We judge. We all do. And whether fair or not — it happens fast.
That’s why it matters.
Your smile is your handshake.
Your energy. Your presence.
As the World Gets More Virtual — We Need to Get More Human
Smiling isn’t just something we do when we’re happy. It’s something we can choose — to create connection, warmth, and trust.
In a world full of AI and automation, a smile is one of the last things that reminds people… There’s a real human here.
So what are you saving it for?
Smiles aren’t like sugar. The more you give – the more you get.
They never run out.
Before You Hit Record… There’s a lot to remember when showing up on camera – and most people skip the prep that makes the biggest difference.
That’s why I created a free 10-Step Camera-Ready Checklist – designed to help you feel confident, look polished, and stay present on-screen. Whether you’re recording a podcast, hosting a webinar, or jumping into a Zoom meeting, this quick checklist covers lighting, posture, mindset, and more.
📥 Download it now and keep it nearby so you always show up ready to shine.
