TIPS TO MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

We are all aware of how crucial first impressions are. But did you know that when you first meet someone, you only have a 7-second window to create a good impression? To put it frankly, if you want to leave a lasting impression, there is no room for error. According to Whitney Johnson, author of Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work, first impressions are important because they occur quickly and are tenacious, “We make judgments [about other people] in a nanosecond.” And once that impression is formed, it’s “very, very hard to change it.” So, in this article, we want to share 5 tips to make a great first impression:

• Smile

One of the most endearing characteristics a person may have is a genuine smile. By fostering a pleasant mood and making everyone there feel welcome and at ease, it can practically light up a room. A smile that extends to your eyes, even in these days of mask use, is a crucial component of your initial impression and will exude warmth, generosity, and empathy. According to research, smiling not only with your mouth but also with your eyes might make you seem more sincere and reliable. Think of anything that makes you happy and smile broadly until you feel the muscles around your eyes tightening. This is how you perfect the “Duchenne” smile, which most of us recognize as a real display of enjoyment.

• Eye Contact

When you first meet someone, it’s important to make eye contact. Looking around the room is impolite and conveys that you are looking for someone more fascinating to chat to. Staring at the ground gives off the impression that you are unsure of yourself, while tracing your eyes over the body of the other person may come off as critical. When making eye contact, balance is important, and you should try to avoid fixating on the other person. The “triangle technique,” which involves imagining an inverted triangle around the other person’s eyes and mouth, is advised by The British School of Etiquette.

• Body Language

What you choose not to say might convey a lot. We don’t merely use words to communicate. When we communicate with others, our posture, hand movements, and facial expressions all convey important messages. According to research, up to 60–70% of the significance in human communication comes from nonverbal behavior. Despite this, many people pay little attention to their body language and are oblivious when they are conveying negative or misleading messages. You can make adjustments to your body language to create the ideal first impression by being aware of it. Whenever you meet someone new, keep these tips in mind: Avoid crossing your arms or placing your bag on your lap to block the area in front of you. Reduce your tendency to fidget by not biting your nails, tapping your fingers, or messing with your hair. Be mindful of your posture and refrain from slouching or leaning too far back in your seat. Nod your head and lean slightly forward to demonstrate that you are paying attention.

• A Positive Attitude

Making a good first impression requires having an optimistic attitude. No matter how well-groomed and dressed you are, it won’t make up for the poor impression a terrible attitude might leave. It’s not always simple to project a happy attitude, especially in situations like interviews where you’re undoubtedly feeling very anxious. Giving the other person your complete attention and ensuring that they are the center of your attention will help you make a kind and trustworthy impression. If you are having trouble changing your attitude, recall an instance when you were joyful, enthusiastic, or appreciative. Allow those emotions to help you shift your perspective.

• Punctuality

Being on time demonstrates respect and courtesy for others. The message you convey to people when you are late for a date, work meeting, or family event is that your time is more valuable than theirs. Everyone is familiar with that one individual who always manages to be late for everything. Perhaps you have frequent tardiness and poor punctuality. Making changes to your timekeeping will benefit both your personal and professional lives in multiple ways. To get somewhere or finish a task, allow yourself to have 25% extra time than you anticipate. The moment you have to go, resist the urge to check your email, voicemail, or social media notifications. Track how long it takes you to perform daily tasks to stop yourself from underestimating the time needed for specific activities. Identify the main reasons why you want to be punctual and use these to motivate yourself.

You can start doing those tips to make a great impression when meeting other people. Hope it helps!

References:

Anderson, A. (2021, December 2). 7 Steps to Making a Great First Impression | The British School of Etiquette. The British School of Excellence. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://thebritishschoolofexcellence.com/business-etiquette/7-steps-to-making-a-great-first-impression/

How to Make a Great First Impression. (2016, December 13). Harvard Business Review. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://hbr.org/2016/09/how-to-make-a-great-first-impression