How to make a great first impression
First impressions are made quickly and they can last. People form an opinion of you milliseconds after meeting you. It can be from the sound of your voice, the way you walk, or even the way you dress. Maybe you’re going for a job interview, or going for a meetup and you want to leave a lasting impression. So how can you make a great first impression? Here are some tips on how you can do it:
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Body Language
When it comes to making a great first impression body language is very crucial. Most people will create an impression and an opinion of you when they first see you. Before you even say anything people have already assessed what kind of person you are. Your body language should show your confidence and warmth at the same time. Even if you’re nervous do not let your body language show just how nervous you are. Maintain a confident body language by sitting straight with your chest held high and walking confidently.
Make Eye Contact
If you find it hard to maintain eye contact, you might want to start practicing. You may find it hard to maintain eye contact if you’re a shy person or if you’re nervous. However, maintaining eye contact shows you’re interested in the conversation and the person you’re having the conversation with. It also shows that you’re paying attention to what the other person is saying. Avoiding eye contact might give the impression that you’re not interested in what they’re talking about. This will create a great first impression and leave a lasting impression.
Be Courteous and Attentive
Being polite and courteous can create a long-lasting impression. Make sure you seem interested in what the other person is trying to tell you. If someone is talking to you, don’t stare at your phone, maintain eye contact and maintain body language that shows interest. Don’t tap your fingers on the table or keep squirming in your seat. This might show them that you’re not interested and might even irritate them to a certain extent. If you want to make a fret first impression be courteous and attentive.
Common Ground
If you want to build a good rapport with people, the fastest way to do it is to find a common ground. Create a connection with another person based on common interests or disinterests. You may not hit it off with everyone you meet but this is a tactic that will help you. You can always tell things that people are interested in, there are always clues. It could be a sport, a book, a podcast, or anything. If it’s an interview or a meetup, check the people out on social media or Linkedin and look for ways you can start small talk with them. Just don’t fake being interested in something, you will come off as not being authentic.
Be Yourself
You don’t need to pretend about who you are to fit in. The best way to make a great first impression is to be yourself. By being yourself, you’re automatically more confident and trustworthy. Make sure you play to your strengths. Assess your strong traits and what people like about you. Highlight your strong traits when you first meet people so as to make a great and lasting impression.
Dress the Part
Humans are visual beings, therefore it’s important to dress the part. Wear a great outfit that you feel confident in. Physical appearance really does matter when it comes to making first impressions. While dressing for the part, think about what would be the appropriate dress code for the event or meeting that you’re attending. A picture is worth a thousand words, so you don’t want people to have the wrong impression of you. You might have a great personality and amazing social skills but if you don’t dress well, people might judge you prematurely. You don’t have to look like a model(unless you’re a model) to look good.
Be Positive
A positive attitude reflects in everything we do. We are all drawn to people who are positive, friendly, and easy to connect to. No one likes a Debbie Downer. Try as much s you can to keep the conversations positive or on a neutral level. If you want to make a great first impression, don’t start by bombarding them with negative insights about your job or your life. This does not leave a lasting impression and people might even avoid you because of your negative vibes.
Smile
Smiling shows you’re approachable and friendly. Smiling makes a great first impression and shows you have a positive outlook on life. It also shows that you are a warm person who is easy to talk to. Smiling improves your overall attitude
Conversational Skills
Work on your conversational skills if you want to always make a great first impression. Be engaging in your conversations. Ask questions so as to avoid dominating the conversation. When you dominate the conversation you come off as a snob or as a self-centered person. Work on your listening skills. There’s an old African saying that goes we were given 2 ears and one mouth for a reason. Asking questions will also keep the conversation flowing.
Don’t Overthink It
Don’t spend too much time thinking bout how you will make a good first impression. Just be yourself and everything else will work itself out. Overthinking it will only cause you to be nervous and anxious and these things have a way of showing.