Experts disagree on how much time it takes for a person who doesn’t know you, to form a first impression of you. I’ve read that it could take as little as three seconds or as long as thirty seconds. Regardless, in less than half a minute, a lasting impression of you is in the mind of everyone you meet. These first impressions can be nearly impossible to undo or reverse, making these first encounters extremely important, for they set the tone for all the relationships with that person that follow. So, whether a new encounter is in your professional life or your social life, it’s important to know how to create a good first impression. Following are some useful tips to help you do that.
Present Yourself Appropriately.
The person you are meeting for the first time does not know you and your appearance is usually the first clue he or she has to go on. The key to a good impression is to present yourself appropriately. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so the picture you first present says much about you to the person you are meeting. Is your appearance saying the right things to create the right first impression?
Start with the way you dress.
What is appropriate dress for the meeting or occasion? What do you know about the person you are meeting or the occasion you are attending? For business and social meetings, appropriate dress also varies between countries and cultures, so it’s something you should pay attention to if you are in an unfamiliar setting or country. Make sure you know the traditions and also what is normal for the setting and location.
The key here is to dress modestly and appropriately for the gathering you will be attending. There is probably no need to wear the latest Brioni suit, but make sure that your clothing is clean and fits well. The last thing you want to do is give off a negative impression before you even open your mouth. If you look sloppy, people will assume that you and your business are sloppy as well.
As for your grooming, a clean and tidy appearance is appropriate for most business and social occasions. A good haircut and shave or well trimmed beard are necessary for a man and neat and tidy makeup for a woman.
Appropriate dressing and grooming help make you feel the part and also make you feel more calm and confident. This will help you on your way to creating a good first impression.
Be on Time.
Being late for an initial meeting will make it nearly impossible to create a good first impression. Plan to arrive early, and allow time for possible traffic delays or taking a wrong turn. Arriving early is much better than arriving late and is a good first step in creating a great first impression.
Be yourself and be at ease.
Don’t put on airs or try to be someone you aren’t. Just be yourself. Try to be calm and confident. If you are, you will make the person you are meeting feel more at ease which will go a long way toward building a solid foundation for making that first impression a good one.
Be Open and Confident.
When is comes to making a first impression, body language as well as appearance speaks much louder than words. Use your body language to project appropriate confidence and self assurance. Stand up straight (don’t slouch), smile, make eye contact and greet with a firm handshake. All of this will help you project confidence which will help both of you feel more at ease.
Speak Clearly.
I can’t emphasize this point enough. Be sure to communicate clearly with whomever you are meeting. Nothing is more annoying than having to listen to someone without understanding what they are saying because they mumble or garble their words. Focus on speaking at a moderate pace, with a well modulated voice. Do not be afraid to enunciate your words correctly. Also, using proper grammar when speaking and avoiding the use of slang is expected if you are to make a good first impression. Remember, if people can’t comprehend what your are saying, they will disregard you and your business. Listeners judge your intelligence, your cultural level, your education, even your leadership ability by the words you use and how you say them. It may not be fair, but it is the reality of life. Your ability to communicate properly can become your greatest asset.
Be Positive.
Your attitude shows through in everything you do. Project a positive attitude even in the face of criticism or in the case of nervousness. Strive to learn from your meeting and to contribute appropriately, maintaining an upbeat manner and a smile.
Be Courteous and Attentive.
Good manners and polite, attentive and courteous behaviour help make a good first impression. In fact, anything less can ruin the one chance you have of making a good impression. So, be on your best behaviour. Turn off your cell phone and/or pager before your meeting takes place. You must give your new acquaintance all of your attention.
Use the Person’s Name Frequently.
If you use the other person’s name frequently it will make the conversation much more personal. It also shows the other person that you were paying attention from the start and caught and remembered their name from the introductions. As a bonus, using their name immediately in the discussion will help you remember their name better. Then if you run into them again, you can call them by name and impress them even more. Everyone is flattered when remembered by others.
Be a Good Listener.
Pay attention to what the other person is saying. Don’t be afraid to nod your head or say the occasional “I see” or “I understand” or any other verbal cue that shows the other person that you are listening intently. Also ask questions to get clarification on some point they are trying to make. Do not interrupt the other person when they are speaking. Interrupting someone mid-sentence is extremely rude and will count as a strike against you in any social setting. Proper etiquette is suggested at all times. Try to get the other person to tell you about themselves. You will not only appear to be gracious, but you will learn more about the person you are dealing with. These little details may be useful in the future.
