Making a great first impression can profoundly influence our lives.
Maybe theres a new job, or a potential relationship at stake.
Whatever may hang in the balance, be ready to make a strong impression every time with this advice.
Within the first few moments of meeting someone new, that judgment occurs.
Knowing these snap judgments exist can lead to anxieties about the impressions we make.
You may have a lot riding on those precious moments in time.
It might seem superficial, but itshardwired into our psyche.
Issues with punctuality can damage your personal life with friends as well.
You dont want the first impression you make to be that you dont respect someone elses time.
Being late is also stressful.
Trying to get somewhere after running late will show on your face and in your actions.
Maybe you wont have time to eat breakfast or drink your morning coffee.
Forgetting to eat or caffeinate can result in brain fog and irritability.
Moreover, when youre running late youre risking poor preparedness.
In your mad dash for the door you might grab the wrong items or forget to bring them entirely.
Of course, accidents happen, and we all make mistakes.
This can possibly give you a second chance to make a first impression.
It was a sign of equal footing.
Handshakes still hold similar power today.
Shaking hands allows for the expression of specific personality types.
Powerful, assertive people are thought to display a strong grip when shaking hands.
A limp handshake, or dead fish handshake, exudes weakness and appears to lack confidence.
see to it you look the person youre meeting in the eyes when shaking their hand.
Glancing around the room can seem suspicious or give them the impression you have other prospects in sight.
Avoid gripping a hand too tightly.
You dont want to hurt someone youre meeting for the first time.
Just enough pressure to make solid contact and rid your grip of limpness.
Somewhere in the middle is best.
You dont want to shake hands for too long, eitherf!
Smile and Speak Clearly
Your facial expression will tell someone a lot about you.
Smiling shows that youre excited and happy to be there.
Your smile is a way to display trust and lets someone know youre focusing on them in that moment.
have a go at be natural though.
Forcing a constant smile can make someone feel uncomfortable and also appears fake.
You should show confidence in yourself and what youre there to say by speaking clearly.
A whisper or mumble can give someone the impression youre insecure or cause miscommunication.
Conversely, a booming voice is also undesirable.
Practically shouting at someone the first time you meet is jarring.
You should be mindful of your volume to avoid any inappropriate decibel levels.
Dress Appropriately
Were forming first impressions from the moment we lay eyes on someone.
The concept of not judging a book by its cover is difficult to live by.
In fact, certain situations demand the employment of instantaneous judgment.
From job interviews, to first dates, what we wear is going to dictate our future.
Be yourself but look put-together while doing so.
For job interviews, youll want to stick to the old cliche dress for the job you want!
You wouldnt wear jeans to interview at a law firm.
If the company wants business attire, you wear business attire.
Throw on a pair of slacks and a button-up shirt.
Construct a well thought-out look to show youve invested time and consideration into the encounter.
The way you act and the energy you give off will directly influence another persons thoughts about you.
Imagine its the first time youre meeting the parents of someone youve been dating.
You want to gain their trust and respect.
Let them set the tone to determine the types of conversations and commentary that is appropriate.
If you give respect, it will be more likely to loop back to you.
Plan Talking Points and Ask Questions
Plan and rehearse possible talking points before your first interaction.
Having a plan of action will keep you on topic as well.
Practice potential responses toquestions they might askyou.
This way youll be more likely to handle any curveballs they throw at you.
Youshould also be asking questions.
In an interview setting, you arent the only person thats part of the interview.
Youre also interviewing them.
Find out more about the work culture and what they expect from you by asking them directly.
Asking questions will show you care.
You arent just cruising through yet another interview or date on autopilot.
Youre engaging with the other person and are now showing an interest in them.
Youll be able to learn more about someone youre meeting if youre the one asking questions.
There should be a mutual give-and-take.
Loop the conversation back towards them, dont allow it to be only one person doing the work.
you’re able to even try something fun like suggesting the21 questions game to break the ice.
Daydreaming while another person is trying to talk not only displays apathy, but it is also disrespectful.
Focus on having positive body language.
Body language is a powerful communication tool.
We hardly notice how much we get from another persons body language because the impression is made so quickly.
So, when you walk into a room, do it with confidence.
Theres more to appearing confident than just having a smile on or offering a firm handshake.
Youll want to stand tall with good posture and make eye contact.
Slouching looks as if the body is drawing into itself, similar to the fetal position.
It makes someone appear weak and doubtful.
Youll want to appear full of self-assurance, not self-doubt.
Holding yourself upright in a power pose will lead you to feel confident along with radiating it.
Can We Change a First Impression?
People are very adaptable, and second chances do exist.
So, if you feel like your first encounter was horrific, reach out about a follow-up.
Reaching out will show your commitment, either to the person, job, or to improving yourself.
Dont just fall to pieces once you feel like its in the bag.
Continue to be the best version of yourself and youll be more likely to avoid being someones regret.
Theres so much important information to gather and so much can rely on those few seconds.
