Most of us fall into two categories: either people love us from the start, or they need time to become familiar with our more refined qualities. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to give a great first impression at every meeting? Once a first impression is formed, it’s almost impossible to change. It holds for business, romantic, and social situations. Your first impression counts a lot.
You always only have one opportunity to make a great first impression.
Determine the kind of impression you want to make.
You have many sides to your personality. There are moments you’re serious or silly. There are times when you’re romantic or no-nonsense and all business. The circumstances will determine the impression you wish to make. Meeting with a blind date differs from meeting a potential client for business.
Have good eye contact. It is critical.
Too little eye contact conveys a lack of respect and dishonesty; take a deep breath and look people in the eye. Don’t stare. A good number is 75% eye contact. Use the remaining 25% looking at some other part of their face. It’s okay to look away entirely on occasion.
Smile.
A smile is soothing and inviting. You’ll also feel better. A smile makes it easier to maintain good eye contact, too.
Have a firm handshake.
The right amount of pressure is between bone crushing and the infamous dead fish handshake. Be assured, but remember that it’s not a contest. Ladies can be a little gentler.
Listen.
We love it when we receive attention from others. It makes us feel important. Be sure to pay close attention to the other person when they are speaking. Ask questions that pertain to the subject being discussed. Don’t look around the room and give your undivided attention to the other person or subject so as to keep people engaged.
Being interesting is about more than just having opinions. It’s about being engaged with the world around you and having the ability to share your perspective in an engaging way. People are attracted to those who show interest in them, so one of the best ways to be appealing is to give others your full attention.
Make people feel good and relaxed about themselves. The better someone feels regarding your conversation, the better they will like you. A sincere compliment never hurts. Be respectful and kind.
Remember to use the other person’s name.
It will make them feel appreciated and involved in the conversation. Something as simple as “Hi, Mary” sounds better than a cold “Hi. Few things make us feel more insignificant than forgetting our name. To make a mistake is totally human; to make someone remember your name is divine.
It is important to make a good first impression by introducing yourself confidently to everyone you meet. Their reactions will let you know the impact you’ve had. By paying attention to your body language and the way you present yourself and communicate, you can make sure that your first impression is a good one.
