First impressions are tricky. They are formed in seven seconds, and they are based on how you look, the way you speak and the words that come out of your mouth, also known as the 3 channels of communication. These 7 seconds can impress your future partner or a potential employer. Although reversible, a first impression is sometimes the only shot you get. That's why it's essential to learn how to make a good first impression. Here's what you need to do.
First Impression Based on Visual Communication
According to a study published on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation website, 55% of first impressions are made by what we see. The visual channel of communication refers to body language and facial expressions.
1. Body language and posture considerations
The correct posture and body language go beyond the rules of sitting with your back straight. And having a firm handshake conveys that you are a determined person.
When you first meet a person, keep an open posture. More specifically, don't cross your arms or legs because these are considered defensive gestures. Moreover, lean almost imperceptibly in front of or towards the person you speak to.
Other clever moves are to avoid touching your face often, placing objects in front of you (because they are perceived as barriers between you and the other person), blinking excessively, or sitting too close to your interlocutor.
2. Dress well for the occasion
A way on how to make a good impression to anyone is to choose the right outfit suited for the occasion. Even if you don't care at all about fashion or clothing styles, they have a huge impact, especially in business contexts. Clearly, you can't go to an interview if you are dressed for a day outdoors or a night at the club. Overall, it's best to be overdressed than underdressed.
According to Laurel Mintz, CEO of Elevate My Brand, "You are your brand, especially if you are a business owner, so making sure that your look communicates your best self is important."
Comfort is another important aspect. If you wear a piece of uncomfortable clothing or tight shoes, your head will not be 100 percent in the game.
Women are advised to avoid sleeveless dresses, deep cleavages and very high heels in professional contexts. For men, it's usually easier because a business-casual outfit is generally appropriate.
3. Make and maintain eye contact
Another way on how to make a good first impression is to focus on the person you interact with and make eye contact. In the little time that you have, you should establish some sort of connection. If there are more people involved, try to make eye contact with all of them, but distribute your attention mostly to the main one.
Also, pay attention to people who don't make eye contact with you when you speak. If they are not convinced or interested in what you have to say, they will look at your mouth or elsewhere in the room.
During your meeting or even date, turn off your phone or at least switch it on silent. Resist the urge to check your emails or instant messages. Moreover, if you have a notebook and a pen, refrain from scribbling. These are signs of nervousness and disinterest.
4. Smile when it's appropriate
Your facial expression is very important when it comes to making a good impression. You need to make sure that it says more about you than words do because you only have a few seconds at your disposal.
Make sure you don't display a fake, stiff, defiant or arrogant grimace. Instead, try to make your interlocutors think you are a warm and relaxed person. No matter who is in front of you, spend all 7 seconds thinking you are confident, pleasant and professional, a fact which can be achieved with the help of a smile, not by frowning for example.
First Impression Based on Vocal Communication
According to the same source cited above, 38% of first impressions are made by the way we hear someone. More specifically, it's not what you say, but how you say it that matters this much.
Control the way you speak
The way you convey your message is very important, and it helps figure out how to make a good first impression. When you speak, you shouldn't rush your words. Imagine that it is difficult for another person to follow you if you choose to speak too fast. Speaking too fast is considered really bad for any kind of discussion.
In addition, when you have to reply to a question or a line, it's recommended to take a 1-2 seconds break before saying anything. By doing this, you'll avoid the preconception according to which only insecure and anxious people reply very fast.
Another aspect you should look out for is the tone of your voice. Experts recommend an alternation of tonalities. They say you should raise your voice or deepen it slightly when you want to emphasize something important. Don't go for the boring and monotonous tone that catches no one's attention.
First Impression Based on Verbal Communication
A disappointing 7% marks just how much what we say matters for someone to make a first impression.
1. Pay attention to your choice of words
Communication specialists advise us to carefully choose the first words we say in every possible context. Positive and convincing words have the advantage of opening many doors, making people feel more comfortable and, ultimately, wanting to work with you/for you or even date you if that's the case.
It is recommended to use words that indicate a positive attitude, such as "Thank you for making time for me today" or "I'm glad to meet you".
Also, it would be nice to have a speech about yourself prepared in advance. It should contain information about who you are, what you do and what you have achieved so far. This speech will help people around you understand you better, ask you questions and develop interesting discussions.
2. Do the right amount of talking
Many people have a habit of telling stories and giving many details from the first meeting. While that could work when thinking how to give a good first impression to a girl, it is not generally applicable. It is natural to want everything to go well from the beginning and to say as much as possible because you have the feeling that this is the only way you can present yourself. However, make sure that the person you are talking to feels comfortable and establish a dialogue by asking them relevant questions.
3. Bonus Tip - Don't Be Late
Being late is considered rude and irresponsible. No one cares if your excuses are genuine or not. It's simply tasteless to do such a thing, especially in a professional context. Even so, it is rude to also run late for a romantic date. Maybe she'll not judge you by that, but it won't be a plus for you either. Instead, choose to get there early. If so, you will have time to focus on the meeting itself, not how to get there or which excuse to use.
Final Thoughts
Put a smile on your face, decent and tasteful clothes on your body, set positive intentions and do your homework before you meet someone new. Improve all your shortcomings, and just be yourself.