Slow grinning is smiles better for business, says study

Smile too quickly and others may think you insincere, while slow grins are generally perceived to be more genuine.

The Go Group, which advises fledgling businesses, looked at how smiling can contribute to new clients and investors gaining a positive impression.

Smiling when meeting somebody for the first time is one of our most natural reactions when trying to build rapport, said Lesley Meechan of the Glasgow-based organisation.

Its findings suggest that a smile that appears too swiftly and does not extend to the eyes signals that you lack sincerity.

Bridget Hanna, an occupational psychologist at Caledonian University, said:

"Smiling can help bind people so it's a useful tool for business. The frequency of your smile is important too, because smiling immediately, all of the time, comes across as over-pleasing and lowers your status."