Creating Positive First Impressions
Experts believe that it takes only a glance or rather only ten seconds for someone to make up their mind about you when you meet them for the first time.
This means that a person forms an opinion about you just by glancing at you for the first time when you meet and this happens through your appearance, your facial expressions, the attitude that you demonstrate at that moment and also how you are dressed.
Here are Eight things to keep in mind if you want to create a positive first impression:
Whether it is an interview or a casual meeting , dressing up for the occasion is important as this conveys your sincerity and seriousness about the meeting. Therefore always dress up mindfully if you are meeting someone for the first time .
Dress for the occasion
Whether it is an interview or a casual meeting , dressing up for the occasion is important as this conveys your sincerity and seriousness about the meeting. Therefore always dress up mindfully if you are meeting someone for the first time .
Don’t try too hard
While it is important to dress well at the same time keep in mind to be yourself . People can easily make when someone is trying to pretend or trying to try too hard to make them like someone. Demonstrating a pleasant demeanor and let the person see your natural energy and ability to connect with them
Be on Time
Make sure that you plan to arrive on time. If it is a genuine reason then try to inform them well in advance about the delay. Nothing damages the first impressions more than a person who is not able to manage their own time.
Have an open body language
Body language communicates about 93% of your message without even you uttering a word ! Make sure that your hands are not folded across your chest or you are not fidgeting as this can be construed as defensive or deceptive. Have an open body language with relaxed gestures and appropriate eye contact. Ensure that your voice is neither too shrill with excitement nor too low with fear or uncertainty.
Wear a friendly smile
A warm and a friendly smile puts other person at ease and opens up the gateway to communicate. It also helps you ease any kind of stress because the positive energy from your smiles travels to the other person and then it travels back. So smile an seize the day!
Use conversation starters
Be willing to break the ice rather than waiting or the other to do so. You can start with talking about their interests. You may wish to prepare questions in advance based on the kind of meeting. For example Do they like sports? or questions about their recent travels or hobbies and so on.
Stay courteous and Attentive
Be sure to stay attentive and alert throughout the interaction. This builds trust and lays foundation for future meetings. Set aside distractions such mobile phones or other people who might sidetrack you. While presenting your views remain courteous and respectful because your acquaintance deserves 100% of this respect and courtesy.
Part on a positive note
And finally, how you part ways at the end of interaction has a very lasting effect on the memory of that person. Always leave on high note. This makes the person feel good and respected. This usually would set the tone for the relationship that would follow.
Eight Key points to creating a positive first impression
- Dress for the Occasion
- Don’t try too hard
- Be on Time
- Have an Open Body Language
- Wear a friendly smile
- Use conversation starters
- Stay Courteous and Attentive
- Part on a positive Not