HOW TO MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

If you have one chance to establish a great impression – that is the very first time you meet someone. First impressions matter as they happen fast and it is how people would remember you.

Making a great first impression seems hard to come by. Once you missed the first opportunity, you might be unable to get another chance.

Thus, before that happens, consider the following tips. It might help you achieve a great first impression.

Here’s how to make a great first impression

1. Be on time

Time is of the essence. Thus, if you are to make a great first impression, this is the first lesson you have to keep in mind.

Running late is a huge turn off and you don’t want to be at the receiving end of that. And take note, some people do not like to hear excuses.

That is why when you are meeting someone, may it be your friend or somebody else, make it is a habit to arrive at the place earlier than the time set.

2. Be a good listener

Dale Carnegie wrote in his book – How to Win Friends – that the one all-important law of human conduct is “always make the other person feel important.” I suppose this is quite useful in making a great first impression.

People, by their nature, crave appreciation. Thus, if you want to win a person’s heart, be a good listener.

Take my word for it and listen attentively to what the person you’re with is saying. Show genuine interest and give a proper and timely response.

3. Wear that fabolous smile

Nothing beats a warm and genuine smile when one is aiming to make a great impression. It says more about you than what you will actually say.

Smile to the world and the world will smile back, remember? So, even if meeting people gives you the chills, smile anyway.

It does not only induce that happy hormone inside of you. But it will also encourage a welcoming aura.

4. Be open and optimistic

The key to better communication is to be open and optimistic. It keeps the ball rolling.

As you appear to be open, it encourages the person to speak and share more. By doing this, you might come across as one of the best people that a person might have ever met.

So, make it a habit to be open, optimistic, and enthusiastic to make a lasting and great first impression.

5. Be aware of the way you speak

First encounters could be a bit nerve-racking and odd. It may affect the way you speak. You might find yourself speaking too loud, too small, or too fast.

If you are nervous, try to smile. Keep your voice and tone in check.

You can also use fillers such as “well” or “Uhm.” But make sure not to go to the extreme. You might be overdoing it.

Here’s what to talk about on your first date.

6. Put your phone away

Personally, I find it rude when people start looking or fiddling with their phones while I talk. Does it also bother you?

If yes, make a mental note not to ever do this to anyone. Even if the encounter gets a bit boring as time ticks by, don’t give in to the urge of picking your phone and concentrating on it.

It’s not only offensive but you are already making a less impressive character of yourself.

7. Dress to impress

You may not have a thing for fashion but believe me, it matters when dealing with others. Of course, you do not need to go all out and buy those trendy ones.

It’s enough that you present yourself appropriately with the proper dress code. Trust me, by merely looking at you at first glance, some people are already creating their first impression of you.

To make a great impression, invest in a proper wardrobe. Dress according to the situation.

8. Speak Clearly

Confidence manifests in how you speak. Being able to speak clearly enhances your chance of making a great first impression on others.

It could make you more desirable and easy to be with.  When you speak eloquently, it keeps the conversation going.

Thus, endeavor to speak your mind with clarity and ease. But make sure not to sound too imposing.

9. Make eye Contact

Making eye contact is as important as speaking clearly to make a great impression of yourself. Eye contact is said to have the power to make you sound more persuasive.

It also shows how attentive you are to the person you’re speaking with. It motivates them to speak.

As they said, eyes are the window to the soul. You can better understand the person’s emotions more by keeping eye contact.

10. Do your homework

Let’s say you’re going to an interview. What’s the first thing you have to do? Your research about the company, right?

This habit applies in meeting people for the first time. You have to know something about them in general. Ask a friend who might know him/her.

This way, you’ll be able to gauge how you can better deal with them. This is one of the primary keys to making a great first impression.

11. Look for a common ground

Have you ever had this experience of meeting someone for the first time and yet ending up feeling strange because you’ve got nothing in common to talk about?

I had and it was terrible! As much as I hated it, it already happened and I don’t wish any similar thing to happen to you.

Thus, in making a great impression, be keen enough to look for a common ground – a hobby or an interest you both share. You can always spot this at the very beginning of your meeting.

12. Be friendly and Professional

We all want to appear friendly and approachable. But make sure to draw a line – a professional one. This way, you will not appear to be overdoing it.

Don’t try so hard to sound too friendly as this borders the line of faking it for the sake of appearances. Just be polite and be yourself a little.

Strive to be casual and easy to be with. Channel that friendly and positive part of you to make a great first impression.

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OVER TO YOU

As they say, you only have one chance to make a great first impression. Thus, once you have the opportunity, make it count. Make the most of it and show how engaging and likable you are as a person.

QUESTION: How do you make a great first impression? Do you have any other tips?