 In a perfect world, maybe we wouldn’t evaluate or judge others based on our first impressions of them; however, we don’t live in a perfect world.
First impressions are important. Everyone makes a first impression; unfortunately, not everyone does very well at making good first impressions.
Whether you’re going out on a blind date or taking your online relationship to the next level, preparing for a job interview or to meet with the CEO of your company, or simply meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time, you’ve got very limited time—a matter of minutes or even seconds—to make a good impression.
Worried you’re going to make a fool of yourself somehow? Worry not—you can learn the art of making a better first impression. Here are a few tips to help you:
Be punctual
First things first: you must be on time! This is especially true in the business world, but it’s also important in social situations. In fact, it’s better to be a few minutes early, particularly for job interviews and important business meetings; however, don’t be too early—more than 15 minutes can give the impression you’re trying too hard.
Also, you don’t want to be too early or late picking up a blind date at his/her home, either. If your date isn’t ready yet or has been waiting for you for half an hour, this will give off a negative impression and could ruin the outing—and your chances.
Be appropriate
Dress appropriately and according to the particular situation. In determining what to wear, you need to think about whether the meeting is business or social; formal or informal. Consider the time of day and year, with whom you will be meeting, and even cultural factors. Further, make sure you’re clean, tidy, and well-groomed!
Be prepared
If you haven’t prepared, it is very obvious to the person whom you’re meeting for the first time, and can lead to awkward silences and a poor first impression. Learn about the person you’ll be meeting ahead of time and prepare some possible questions to ask him/her and answers to questions he/she might ask.
Be confident
Being confident and self-assured can go a long way in creating a better, and more positive, first impression. Use appropriate body language to suggest confidence: give a firm handshake, if the situation warrants it; smile warmly and confidently—but don’t overdo it; and use eye contact. Try to keep your nervous habits (giggling, hair-twirling, pen-tapping, nail-biting) under control. Finally, don’t act so confident that you come off as cocky.
Be relaxed
Relax! This may be easier said than done in nerve-wracking situations, but if you’re noticeably nervous and on the edge, you’ll make the other person uncomfortable and the situation unpleasant. This is not the impression you want to make! Learn relaxation techniques to calm yourself down before the meeting. Deep breathing, for example, is very important.
Be yourself
Sounds corny, but it’s true. If you try too hard to be somebody you’re not, it will be noticeable and you’ll come across as fake. Neither a potential employer nor potential partner will appreciate this.
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed