Making a Very Good First Impression is Essential for Your Success

Making the first impression is the event when one person first encounters another person and forms a mental image of that person. Impression accuracy varies depending on the observer and the target (person, object, scene, etc.) being observed.

It takes just a quick glance, maybe four seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed.

We sometimes get only one chance to make an impression on someone either in our personal or business life. The following are the most basic things to do that will assure us of making the best possible impression.

Appear Neat and Dress Properly

Being neat in our appearance is something we can do regardless of whether we are trying to make a good impression on someone or not.

Clean and tidy appearance is appropriate for most business and social occasions. A good haircut or shave, Clean and tidy clothes, neat and tidy makeup. Make sure your grooming is appropriate and helps make you feel “the part”.

Making a Very Good First Impression is Essential for Your Success

 

A Decent Eye Contact

From the first time you meet the person until you part, maintain good direct eye contact with them. This usually indicates to people that you are listening to them, interested in them, and friendly.

Shake Hand

Whether it is a business meeting or a social occasion, most people appreciate or expect a friendly handshake. The best kinds are firm (no need to prove your strength) and 3-5 seconds long.

A warm Smile

A warm and confident smile will put both you and the other person at ease. So smiling is a winner when it comes to great first impressions.

When you shake hands with the person, smile as you introduce yourself or say hello. Even if the other person does not smile, you can, and it will be remembered by the other person.

Making a Very Good First Impression is Essential for Your Success

Listen More and Talk Less

Listening to your new acquaintance will give you information to refer to later, and it will give your new friend the impression you are sincerely interested in them, their business, etc. If you are asked questions, feel free to talk.

Positive and persuasive words and phrases will often open doors and make people feel comfortable in your presence, which can ultimately make them more willing to work with you.

Be Authentic

When you’re meeting someone for the first time, don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you don’t know the answer to something they ask, don’t fake it. Well, sometimes people try to act differently than they normally would to impress or show off to a new acquaintance. Putting on facades and airs is not recommended, as a discerning person will sense it and it will have a negative effect on how they view you. Just be yourself and relax and go with the flow of conversation.

Show Interest in Other Professional and Personal Life

Show that you have an active interest in the other person’s professional and personal life. When an appropriate time comes, ask them to tell you about their family and their business if they have not already done so. People love to talk about themselves.

Making a Very Good First Impression is Essential for Your Success

Don’t Consume Too many Drinks and Food

If your first meeting is at a function or place where food and alcohol are served, it is wise to eat and drink in moderation. This is especially true of drinking alcohol! You want to be able to listen well and remember what is said and speak well for yourself. There is probably nothing that leaves a worse first impression on a business or social date than for their new acquaintance to get intoxicated and to say or do things that are embarrassing, rude, crude, or all three. Use good self-control and eat as your new friend does, and drink only in social moderation or not at all.

 

Making a Very Good First Impression is Essential for Your Success

 

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