We're often told you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Those precious first few seconds often shape a person's opinion of you; there are even scientific studies to prove it takes 30 seconds to gauge someone on meeting them for the first time. With that in mind, here are a few tips you can follow to ensure you make a a great first impression from the get-go.
Introduction
How you tell someone about yourself sets the stage for the rest of the conversation. Start simple, introduce yourself and ask about them, without sounding too intrusive. Alter your introduction to suit context – whether a formal interview, a casual meeting in a cafe or something in between.
Speak clearly
Make sure you speak coherently and are audible to everyone. Don’t be either too loud or too meek, as it may indicate you are either over or under-confident. Also, talking too fast is never a great idea as people might find it difficult to catch up. For a good conversation (and impression), be polite and genuine in everything you say.
Stay away from your phone
Unless you are trying to make a good first impression on a telephone, it is a wise choice to keep your phone away. Put it on "silent" so your conversation is not disrupted by an untimely call or text. Checking your phone often makes you look rude and gives the impression you don’t care about the meeting.
Dress properly
One of the many things a person notices during a first meeting is the way you dress. Dress according to the occasion - so you look neither under- or over-dressed. Boost your confidence by wearing something comfortable. One sure-shot way to look polished is to iron your clothes so they do not have wrinkles.
Be punctual
You may have heard the oft-quoted phrase "time is money." Make it your mantra and always be on time, as it shows you are disciplined and that you value others' time. Show up early but never be late.
Stay up to date
Keep yourself updated about current events and news. These can then become talking points when you meet someone for the first time and do not know much about each other's interests. Talking about things that are happening in your surroundings allows both of you to contribute to the conversation, making communication a two-way street.
Smile
Start your conversations with a warm smile or a small grin. It indicates you are confident and have a positive attitude. You also make others feel more comfortable since the simple act of smiling helps break tension.
Introduction
How you tell someone about yourself sets the stage for the rest of the conversation. Start simple, introduce yourself and ask about them, without sounding too intrusive. Alter your introduction to suit context – whether a formal interview, a casual meeting in a cafe or something in between.
Body language and posture
Sometimes it is not what you say but how you conduct yourself that determines another's view of you. When meeting someone for the first time (particularly in a formal setting), offer a firm handshake; sound and look confident. Try and make eye contact while are you speaking and, if you're sitting down, sit straight but make it a point to lean slightly forward, to show you are interested in what they are saying. Most importantly, do not be distracted and give them your undivided attention.
Speak clearly
Make sure you speak coherently and are audible to everyone. Don’t be either too loud or too meek, as it may indicate you are either over or under-confident. Also, talking too fast is never a great idea as people might find it difficult to catch up. For a good conversation (and impression), be polite and genuine in everything you say.
Stay away from your phone
Unless you are trying to make a good first impression on a telephone, it is a wise choice to keep your phone away. Put it on "silent" so your conversation is not disrupted by an untimely call or text. Checking your phone often makes you look rude and gives the impression you don’t care about the meeting.
Dress properly
One of the many things a person notices during a first meeting is the way you dress. Dress according to the occasion - so you look neither under- or over-dressed. Boost your confidence by wearing something comfortable. One sure-shot way to look polished is to iron your clothes so they do not have wrinkles.
Be punctual
You may have heard the oft-quoted phrase "time is money." Make it your mantra and always be on time, as it shows you are disciplined and that you value others' time. Show up early but never be late.
Be yourself
Being too strategic or overdoing the niceness can make you appear fake. Instead, be the person you normally are. When you bare your true self, it makes you more endearing. Keep in mind that being honest is the key to impressing someone.
Stay up to date
Keep yourself updated about current events and news. These can then become talking points when you meet someone for the first time and do not know much about each other's interests. Talking about things that are happening in your surroundings allows both of you to contribute to the conversation, making communication a two-way street.
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