How to Make a Great First Impression
When meeting someone for the first time, it’s important to make a positive first impression.
You only have one chance to make a first impression, so it’s important to get off on the right
foot.
We make judgements about other people in a nanosecond and once that impression is formed
it’s very, very hard to change it.
Here are 7 things that will help you make a positive and memorable first impression.
These apply both online and in-person.
1.
Smile.
There’s nothing like a smile to create a good first impression.
A warm and confident smile will put you and the person that you are talking to at ease.
2.
Be positive.
Your attitude shows in everything you say and do.
Project a positive attitude even if you are nervous.
You can really tell if someone has a positive demeanor by their tone of voice.
Positive people use words that are future focused and encourage people.
3.
Be aware of your body language.
Slouching, leaning, yawning, putting your hands over your mouth, crossing your arms
… these are all things that can create a negative first impression.
Avoid fidgeting, tapping, biting your nails and unnecessary movement.
Stand straight and chest out.
4.
Be confident.
It’s natural to be nervous when meeting new people.
But there are a few things that you can control that will help you appear more confident.
a.
make eye contact (as a general guideline: at least 60% of the time when you are talking
and about 70% when you are listening) – avoid looking around the room, up at the ceiling,
or anywhere that may give the impression that you are nervous or uninterested.
b. avoid using fillers like “umm, err, uhh”.
c. use a strong voice and emphasize keywords with a higher pitch.
5.
Prepare some talking points.
Conversations are based on give and take.
It may help you to prepare some questions, especially if you are nervous.
Whether you are meeting the person for professional or personal reasons, you should balance the
types of questions that you ask them.
Do NOT only ask them personal questions or only focus on business.
Here are a few examples to get the conversation going:
Find out what they are interested in or ask a question about past experiences.
For example,
a.
Do you play golf?
b.
Do you like to travel?
c.
Have you ever been to Canada?
Use these examples to try to find something in common and build a connection.
6.
Use their name when you’re talking to them.
A really effective way to be memorable is to use their name in the conversation.
A person’s name is the greatest connection to their own identity and individuality.
When someone remembers our name after meeting us, we feel respected and more important.
7.
Leave a lasting impression.
The final thing that you say to them should be fun, positive, professional, meaningful,
and memorable.
Don’t just say it.
Say it like you mean it.
For example,
a.
Have an absolutely awesome day!
b.
It was really great to meet you.
I hope to (see) you again soon.
c.
The best of luck at the conference.
You will do awesome, I’m sure.
I hope these tips on building a positive first impression help you.
A little bit of practice goes a long way.
That’s all for today’s lesson.
Thanks for watching.
See you next time!