“You can make only one first impression”. Indeed it is true. Whenever we first meet someone, it is their non-verbal cues, their body language, their clothes; their mannerisms that help us make an impression of them.
It’s very important to pay heed to these things before one appears for an interview or any significant meeting.
We can make impressions of people in fractions of a second, even if the person is not physically present in front of us. By looking at a photo too, we can make an impression of people. With every new encounter, we are evaluated and yet another person’s impression of us is formed.
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Since the first impressions are impossible to undo, it becomes very important to set proper first impression in order to establish good relationships with others.
Following are some ways in which you can make great first impressions:
- Always show up on time.
If you are meeting someone for an interview or for some other important work, it is always advisable that you arrive on time. Being late for an appointment or a meeting or even an outing with friends conveys carelessness and doesn’t give a good impression of you to others. - Be comfortable
Imagine that you have gone to meet someone for the first time and when they arrive, they don’t seem very comfortable and relaxed. What kind of an impression would you have of that person? Not a good one I suppose. So it’s very important to be at ease and to be comfortable when you are meeting new and important people because the other person will also be at ease then and the whole situation will move forward smoothly. - Be confident
Confidence is something that should always be in you. Be it to make a good impression, to be more optimistic, to be an effective speaker, etc. Exhibiting confidence is extremely important to make a good first impression. It shows people that you are sure of yourself.
- Dress appropriately.
According to psychologists, our clothes are a major deciding factor of how we will be evaluated and what kind of an impression others will have of us. Always keep the occasion and the event in mind before stepping out. It’s very important to dress according to the occasion. It has a direct impact on your confidence. You don’t want to feel out of place, do you? - Handshake
Another really important deciding factor about the formation of impressions is your handshake. Your handshake should be warm, sincere and friendly. It should neither be too weak or too firm. A good handshake shouldn’t last more than a few seconds. If you are sitting and are introduced to someone, always stand and shake hands. It shows respect towards the other person. - Eye Contact.
Maintain a proper eye contact with the person with whom you’ve just met. It helps in building rapport. It also shows that you are confident and it attracts the other person towards you as it shows that you are listening to what they are saying. - Smile
The saying “smile and the world smiles too” holds very true when it comes to making good first impressions. Always keep your smile on while meeting new people. It makes you as well as the other person feel as ease. Smiling also makes others to evaluate you more positively. But don’t overdo it.
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