How to make a good first impression –
Introduction ๐
First impressions count. Princeton University research has shown that people will decide whether they think that youโre trustworthy within 1 second of looking at you.
If this wasnโt enough, university research has also shown that before you even speak to someone, they will form an opinion on your levels of:
- Charisma
- Leadership potential
- Social status
- Success
Thankfully, first impressions aren’t permanent and it’s possible to change someone’s mind about you, but it always helps to start on the right track!
Here are our top 4 ways of how to make a good first impression –
- Think about your appearance
- Watch your body language
- Consider how you speak
- Make the other person feel special
1. Think about your appearance ๐
- Drink water and sleep well to keep yourself looking healthy and happy
- Clothing – are you wearing clothes that your audience would like? Are you wearing clothes that are formal enough?
- Personal hygiene – washing yourself, brushing your teeth, and styling your hair are all things that can help you to look well-presented and give a good impression.
2. Watch your body language ๐ค
- Focus on the person speaking to you
- Making eye contact – show that you’re listening to them!
- React to what the person says – smiling, nodding, or frowning depending on what they’ve said
- Leaning forward – this shows that you’re interested in what the other person has to say.
- Facing towards the person you’re speaking to
- Use positive body language – relax your body and smile!
3. Consider how you speak ๐ฌ๐
- Speak confidently and clearly – loud enough so that they can hear you, slow enough that they can understand
- Adapt the words you use to the person you’re talking to – should you speak more professionally/formally or can you be more relaxed/informal with them?
4. Make the other person feel special ๐
- Remember their name, and use it! According to psychology, people feel more special when you use their name!
- Listen intently to what they’re saying instead of focusing on what you will say next
- Ask them questions to show that you’re interested in them
- Remember what that they’ve told you, and show them you’ve remembered!
- Talk about how you and the other person are similar
- Put your phone away, and keep it on silent!
- Give them your full attention
- If you’re waiting together, make small talk rather than waiting in silence!
- Be polite, say please, and thank you!
- Give them a compliment
- Thank the person for their time
133 ways to make someone feel special
Conclusion ๐
So those are our 4 steps to making a good first impression!
- Think about your appearance
- Watch your body language
- Consider how you speak
- Make the other person feel special
What tips are you going to try out?
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