Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- What Are First Impressions?
- First Impressions Matter, And Here Is Why.
- Tips For Creating A Good First Impression
- Conclusion
How To Create A Good First Impression
If anyone ever told you that first impression doesn’t matter, they lied to you. They matter and can determine the course of the rest of the relationship. I really can’t tell you how people have lost business deals, trust and credibility, potential romantic relationships, and even friendships, all because they gave the wrong first impression. Trust me, the list goes on and on, and how about the effects on the person who lost the chances? In a word, it leaves them devastated.
I have seen this countless times and wish people knew how important first impressions are. On that note, I have taken the liberty to write about creating an excellent first impression. I earnestly desire that you use the things I will share here to make a good first impression the next time you meet someone new.
What Are First Impressions?
What would your answer be like if you were asked what is a first impression or define first impression?
First impressions are the instant thoughts or conclusions we draw or form when meeting people for the first time. It could either be a good impression or the opposite.
Interestingly, these opinions are derived from the information we gather on seeing or interacting with them, and some surface-level factors that contribute include their dress, tone of voice, body posture, and even their face.
Sometimes, we come to conclusions based on our gut feelings, but sometimes we might be wrong. So, while first impressions are not 100% correct all the time, they can, however, determine what happens next.
First Impressions Matter, And Here Is Why.
First impressions lasts longer in people’s minds than anything else in all kinds of contexts. Hence, this is why you are always advised to make an excellent one. Few people care about whether their first conclusions about you are wrong, and one thing I am sure of is that to undo their wrong conclusions about you will take more work than you can ever think of. This is why 1st impressions are a big deal and must not be taken lightly.
Tips For Creating A Good First Impression
1. Dress Appropriately
If you’re thinking of how to make a great impression, have you ever considered dressing appropriately? I have rarely seen someone who dressed appropriately and was not accorded the respect their dress demanded. That also means the famous saying, “Dress how you want to be addressed,” is correct.
There are several factors to consider when dressing suitably to make a great first impression. The first thing to keep in mind is the occasion. For example, if it is a formal meeting, you don’t want to be dressed casually; otherwise, you will be sending the wrong message to the people around you. And that might cost you something vital like a business deal or some other important thing.
You have to consider comfort while thinking of what to wear. The last thing you want is to wear clothes that don’t fit you or those you are uncomfortable in. How about your colour choices? They are also important too. Some other things are attention to footwear, confidence and style, and personal grooming. All of these contribute to people forming their opinions about you.
2. Be Authentic
Sometimes, we forget that first impressions aren’t built solely on external factors. Other factors form the basis of what people think about us, and our level of authenticity is one of those factors that we forget about.
So, what does it mean to be authentic? In the simplest of terms, authenticity means being genuine. I have seen cases where someone had a wrong perception of me of how I was dressed, but over time, as a result of working with me, they realise that I am genuine. The next logical question running through your mind is, “How did they realise that?” I make sure my words are in alignment with my actions.
This way, I gain their trust faster, and this corrects whatever initial opinion they had about me. Usually, such persons end up saying things like, “I was wrong all along about you.”
Sometimes, you may not have the chance to correct their opinions about you after the first meeting, so it is wise to be authentic from your first meeting.
3. Be A Good Communicator
One of the things that can affect how people rate their first meeting with you is based on how well you communicate with them.
Making an excellent first impression is beyond dressing suitably for the occasion. Don’t get me wrong; that’s a part of it but only a fragment. People may dress the part but then fail as soon as they open their mouths to speak. How about listening, too? Many people fail even more on this part.
We all know that what makes a person a good communicator is their ability to speak excellently and listen to what the other person has to say. Can one hand successfully wash itself? I very much doubt it.
So, do not be too quick to talk next time you are invited for a business or romantic date. There is a valid reason why we have two ears and one mouth. Positive impressions can last a lifetime, so make sure you do everything you can to make one next time you have the chance.
4. Arrive Early
We may look the part, be authentic, and perhaps communicate well, but if we fail to arrive early for our first meeting, that is by far, you tell the other person, “Do not take me seriously.” When we fail to arrive early, it tells the person we are to meet with many negative things. This may lead them to come to conclusions about us.
Once, a friend told me a story about losing a business deal because he arrived only a few minutes late. I felt terrible for him because he was my friend, but on the other hand, I told him the truth. He broke the golden rule.
Show up on time every time because that’s how to make a good impression. When you respect people’s time, they will undoubtedly respect you. It is that simple because it tells them you are a person of character. So, if you want to make an impression – a great one at that, try showing up early.
5. Put Your Phone Away
I didn’t want to write about this earlier under the communication point because I knew I’d do that at some point in my writing. Now, here we are. So, are you familiar with the term “phub”? If you are not, it means to ignore a person or one’s surroundings when in a social situation by busying oneself with a phone or other mobile devices.
In all sincerity, does that sound like what many people do? My answer is a big YES! Many of us are guilty of this, which hasn’t helped us one bit. What’s wrong with putting your phone away for the period you will be spending with the person? Why leave where you were only to come for that meeting to stay on your phone over 70% of the time? It just doesn’t make any sense to me, guys.
If this attitude says one thing, then it is you have no respect or value for the person you are talking with. Otherwise, you would have put your phone down and have a conversation to connect. If they could put theirs down, why shouldn’t you? Moreover, this tells me one thing that I have always known: many of us are addicted to our phones, and we let our phones control us instead of controlling our phones.
I can’t tell you the numerous relationships and even potential relationships this has ruined. A lady once told me she didn’t know if her partner was in a relationship with her or his phone. Another friend told me how the person he was meeting with for the first time couldn’t stay off their phone. Well, what can I say? Welcome to the era of mobile phones, y’all.
6. Come Prepared
Whenever I meet a new person, I try my best to make an instant positive impression. How do I do that, you might ask. I come prepared.
Whatever the meeting may be, I never show up without first doing some research, and that has helped me several times. I ask myself questions like, what is this occasion about? What kind of people am I likely to meet? What will our conversations be centered on?
The truth is, preparing beforehand will make you feel more at ease and will also show that you are an interesting person. Isn’t that one of the things we want people to think about us?
The first impression is lasting, and I assure you that one of the ways to do that is to show up to that meeting prepared.
7. Make Eye Contact
One to come out as confident? I suggest you use this nonverbal form of communication. Different people read and see things differently. The reason for my previous sentence was because of one of the experiences I had in the past.
One of my clients once told me that during our first meeting, she knew I was a person who respected other people and was a person of honesty. I was flattered, but I had to ask some questions. To cut a long story short, she said she made her observation via our frequent eye contact. She went on to say dishonest people rarely look her in the eyes.
Additionally, maintaining eye contact also tells the other person that you are paying attention and listening to what they are saying. One author, Leil Lowndes, recommends a 60/40 mix, with 60% eye contact being the perfect goal to indicate paying close attention without aggression. So, during conversations, try to maintain regular eye contact with the other person. This is one of the ways to make an excellent first impression.
8. Be Mindful Of Your Body Language And Posture
Beyond the words we speak, other things like body language also say a lot about what’s going on on our inside. So, I would advise that we use positive body language.
On most occasions, it is not unusual for people to be shy or shaky, but that can be overcome as you ease into the conversation with the other person. Since body language is a large part of communication, many can tell when you are timid, shy, or uncomfortable by how you move your body.
Here are some things to hold on to:
- Stand or sit up straight, and hold your head up when speaking. This will give the other person the impression that you are confident and comfortable.
- Resist the temptation of crossing your legs or arms. This subconsciously closes you off from the other person.
- Lastly, a good handshake that is firm but not crushing will tell the other person that you are confident.
This would help you stay calm and control your thoughts and emotions.
9. Make A Connection
This is by far one of the most important things on the list. Don’t get me wrong; there won’t be this if the other things discussed here weren’t present. In other words, they led to this specific point.
One of the ways to make that connection is to be interested in actually making that connection with the other person. So, it is safe to say that we should be interested in the other person. You can do this by paying close attention to what they share with you. So, for instance, if it was where they grew up or the school they attended, developing a connection beyond the confines of a professional chat can be a great way to connect with them.
In all honesty, avoid being too forward and commenting about their appearance, which could be flagged as inappropriate. In a nutshell, stick to the connections you might have in common. It is always better to be on the safe side. By the way, those are more authentic compliments.
10. Remember To Smile
A smile is inviting. It says to the other person that you are open to conversing with them, and what’s better than greeting a person for the first time with a smile?
Who knows, you might just be putting the other person at ease with a lovely smile. So, when you are meeting someone new next, one of the best ways to welcome them is with a big smile on your face. This is one of the ways to make an excellent first impression.
The first impression is best impression with all these factors in place. So, try incorporating these tips in your next meeting with a new person to make a good first impression.
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