How to Make a Great First Impression
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Being late, forgetting names, interrupting the conversation, and avoiding eye contact are examples of starting off on the wrong foot when meeting new connections, colleagues, or potential employers. First impressions can make a lasting impact, and while there are no second chances at a first impression, here are some tips to make an impression so great you won’t worry about wishing for a do-over.
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Below are some tips to make a great-lasting impression:
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Smiling goes beyond showing off your pearly whites, it’s a way to show friendliness and approachability. Greeting others with a smile not only puts new connections at ease, it can make you feel more relaxed too!?Having a warm smile and friendly facial expressions can make you appear welcoming to the other person, making it easier to communicate. Keeping your facial expressions in check can also help you convey your interest in who you’re speaking with and the topic at hand.
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2. Eye Contact
Eye contact is a great non-verbal communication skill to have but be aware of the amount of eye contact, so it does not just become you staring them down. According to The Definitive Book of Body Language, a good rule of thumb is the 60/40 rule, where 60% of the eye contact shows that you are acknowledging that you are paying attention to what they are saying and a way of showing respect while they are speaking.
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3. Be Yourself
It pays dividends to be your authentic self with first impressions. When you are being authentic, it will build trust with those that you are meeting and show that you are confident with your own skills and abilities. While it can be tempting to do what it takes to “fit in”, being genuine, you can help alleviate the nerves that come with attempting to make a good first impression.?
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Being a good communicator is a two-way street as an active listener and a fluid speaker. This means knowing when they are about to finish talking and then giving your input without interrupting them or being inconsiderate. Additionally, when speaking try to minimize filler words such as “um...” or “uh…” When you know you are going to meet someone new such as a coworker or a potential new employer, it may be helpful to think about some questions you have beforehand so you will not be nervous about what to say and you will also be able to keep the conversation going.?Asking questions not only keeps the conversation engaging but also shows you were listening.
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5. Positive Body Language
Like communication, you want to output body language that shows you are confident, welcoming, and engaging. This means if you are sitting or standing, exhibit good body posture with your head up. You will also try to avoid crossing your arms because you are closing the communication gap between yourself and your new acquaintance! Lastly, if you are to give them a handshake, you want to make sure it’s firm and welcoming to reflect your confidence..
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6. Find a Common Interest
Have you ever engaged in a conversation and had nothing to talk about? This may be one of the most common things that happens?when meeting someone at first, and that is completely normal. A good way to leave a lasting impression is to find something that you both have in common, keeping the conversation going when it otherwise could have stalled. Finding a connection also helps to make you more personable and memorable, which is important when you want to make a first impression that stands out from the crowd.
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Remember, these quick dos and don’ts to really make your next first impression shine:
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Do:
?-Try to make it about them as you don’t want to be self-centered around the conversation.
-Gather feedback from peers and ask what your best traits are and use those advantages the next time you try to leave a good first impression.
-If possible, plan and think about some talking points and which topics you would like to address to show you are engaged in the conversation.
-Read the room so you may gather yourself and know which level of formality and language should be used.
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Don’t:
-Interrupt when they are speaking. Not only is it rude, but it shows that you aren’t listening and what you are saying is more important than what they have to share.
-Be distracted. Keep your attention and focus on the speaker through body language, eye contact and questions!
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The first impression that you leave can significantly impact future relationships. From your personal to professional life, short or long term, leaving a good impression is extremely beneficial to creating your?network. If first impressions still make you a bit nervous, you’re not alone – the best way to become better at them is to practice! Life is short and you never know who you may run into again, so make your first impression count.
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