Can spilling coffee make you more likeable?
The effect of a pratfall on increasing interpersonal attractiveness
A brilliant quiz contestant became more likeable after clumsily spilling coffee all over himself.
Students listened to a tape of someone trying out for a quiz team. Some heard a near-perfect contestant, others an average one. In some versions, the contestant clumsily knocked a cup of coffee over himself at the end.
The superstar became more likeable after this pratfall, because a little blunder made him seem human. The average contestant didn’t get the same boost. So if you’re brilliant, a well-timed coffee mishap might help.
Perfect is intimidating. Perfect plus coffee stain is charming.