Humans are shaped to hold on to the first impressions. We naturally tend to latch on the first thing we notice about a person.
According to psychologist Frank Schab,
People make snap judgements in terms of confidence and trustworthiness based on first impressions.
It construes that once we make a spontaneous judgement, everything else gets filtered through that lens.
So when we give a bad first impression, it becomes exhausting to recover from it.
Seems a little unfair, doesn’t it?
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However, there are a few easy things to keep in mind to ace your first impression.
1. Stick to the time
You might think that your first impression starts when you start speaking but this is where you’re wrong my friend! Your first impression starts the very moment someone notices you.
Being punctual displays the sense of responsibility in a person. People who can’t stick to the given time frame are often subject to criticism and disapproval.
Being punctual displays the sense of responsibility in a person. People who can’t stick to the given time frame are often subject to criticism and disapproval.
Prepare early for events such as interviews, first day at office etc. Calculate the time you need to reach a certain place, don’t forget to add extra time for traffic jams. Make sure you don’t keep people waiting. No one loves a latecomer.
2. Put a broad smile on
We possess the ability to project our emotions on other individuals. People like being around people who emit positivity.
If you’re trying to make a good impression, the burden of keeping the conversation light falls on you.
When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.Louis Armstrong
Being a human it’s only natural to make judgements on others based on their facial expressions. Having a happy face can have a dramatic affect on others.
They are more likely to agree to someone polite and pleasant. So if you come across an intimidating person, smile your way through it.
3. Non-verbal cues
There are messages that can be conveyed without words. People note down characteristics about your personality by your gestures subconsciously.
However, most people aren’t aware of the influence they can make by working on their non-verbal cues. There are a handful of things to keep in mind before presenting yourself:
- Your appearance matters: Whether you like it or not, your appearance makes a statement. People make snap judgements based on your looks. Make sure you dress well. It’s not about wearing expensive clothes but putting effort in your appearance. Dress according to the occasion to fit in.
- Groom yourself: It’s all about looking clean. Get a nice haircut. Comb your hair. Use a subtle perfume. It not only boosts your self-confidence but revitalizes the energy of your body. Learn to take pride in your appearance.
- Body language: If you’re constantly slouching, it subconsciously sends a message that you’re not confident or you don’t believe in yourself. Keep your shoulders up and tight. You can see for yourself how confident and welcoming you’ve become in seconds. Let your posture sell the best version of you.
- Eye contact: It might not come off easy for everyone, but relax! Making eye contact is not about staring into someone’s soul. Start by making eye contact only when you’re introducing yourself. If there is more than one person in the room, try not to fixate on only one of them.
- Don’t use your hands: Many people can’t control the gesture of their hands while talking. Don’t let your hands float like a butterfly when you talk. Instead, let them rest on your lap or you can simply cross your arms.
4. Be a good listener
You’ve to understand that a conversation is not all about you. Give others a chance to mouth their word. Everyone likes an accomplice who pays undivided attention to what they say.
Learn to match your response with the emotions conveyed by the person. It develops a sense of understanding and a safe space.
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.Maya Angelou
Your first impression definitely depends on how interestingly you put yourself in front of others, but a large part of it depends on how the other person felt and picked up from the conversation. That’s where being a good listener helps.
5. Respect and gratitude
The amount of respect you receive highly depends on the amount of respect you offer. How you treat people around you shows a lot about your character.
For example: if you’re out for dinner, make sure you show gratitude and respect towards the waiting staff and not just your date.
Pride comes before fall. You’ve to be concerned about how other people are affected by your words. Keep your voice and words crisp and clear not loud and condescending.
A person who knows his boundaries and doesn’t invade another individual’s privacy is always cherished.
Be open to new ideas in a conversation. Learn to disagree politely and gracefully without putting another person down.
6. Conculsion
We live in a society where attributes connected to your first impression is pervasive. We hope you meet people who are understanding enough to not take your first impression as the only version of you.
But life doesn’t shower second chances so buckle up and try to carry your best behaviour wherever you go.
