First impressions are very important. Research shows that people often make lasting decisions about you in less than a second. For others it may take a few minutes. In almost every case when you meet someone they will make up their mind about you early on in your first meeting. That means it is vitally important to make a good first impression, and you need to be prepared to do so. Here are some ways to make a good first impression.
1. Smile
In most cases the first thing that people will see is your face, so be sure you are smiling. Few things in life are as compelling and inviting as a smile. Smiles make people feel like you are warm, friendly and inviting. Smiles are contagious. Your smile will lead others to smile. People are smiling are generally happy, and if they are happy around you there is a better chance you are making a great first impression.
2. Give a good handshake
A lot of people make judgments about people by their handshakes. This is especially true in many business relationships. There is a belief that your handshake speaks about your character. One thing it really clearly reflects is your confidence. You want to appear to be a confident individual, so shake hands like you are. That means giving a strong firm handshake. Shake hands with purpose, knowing that it is one way to show that you are worth knowing.
3. Remember names
Remembering names can be very challenging. A lot of people struggle with remembering the names of people that they meet. Thankfully, remembering names is a skill that you can learn. You can practice remembering people's names, develop tricks to help you, and you will get better at remembering names. One simple trick is to repeat the name back once or twice in the first minute or two of the conversation. You may also want to putt a mental picture of the person with the name, adapting it to be something very memorable or so that you think of someone else with the same first name.
4. Establish rapport
Rapport is the connection that you have with another individual. When you are in rapport you are really "with" the person you are talking to. Some refer to it as being on the same wavelength. It often happens unconsciously when people have similar interests or are in a positive discussion. There are ways to increase rapport. Salespeople use these to help connect with their prospects, and you can use them to help you build a great first impression. The techniques are simple things such as maintaining eye contact, mimicking basic body language or breathing patterns.
5. Show interest in them
People appreciate people who are interested in them. Remember no one is more important to the person you are speaking to than she is to herself. Show interest in them by asking questions and getting to know them. Look for common interest areas and then focus on asking more questions to them about it. Often the people that will have the best first impression of you are the people who you ask the most questions of. Get them talking about themselves rather than you and people will be more impressed.
6. Dress well
Be sure to always be well dressed and well groomed. In other words take care of your appearance. This doesn't always mean being dressed in a fancy suit or even a shirt and tie. You just need to look good in what you are wearing. You also need to be dressed appropriately for the venue. If you are at a business meeting dress professionally – don't wear jeans or a t-shirt. Likewise, if you are going to a neighborhood summer party, wear a good pair of shorts and a golf shirt. You still want to look your best, but be appropriate.
7. Have good posture
Good posture is about how you carry yourself. Stand upright don't slouch or slump your shoulders. If you are sitting, sit up with your back against the chair. Carry yourself in a professional and confident manner and people will view you as professional and confident.
8. Have a positive attitude
The last tip may be one of the most important. Have a positive attitude. Be happy, and think the best of the situation. Be a glass half full rather than a glass half empty kind of person. Look for the best of the situation and of the individual you are speaking with. People are attracted to positive friendly people, and so being positive will help you make a great first impression.
While all of these can come across as techniques, they can eventually become just part of who you are. You can become the type of person who naturally makes good first impressions and who others naturally want to be around and be connected to. Use these tips to start but work on developing them into habits.
Written by:
The Success Professor – Danny Gamache
