“You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”
You see someone for the first time and wonder how they are so cool and amazing even when you know nothing about them in person. They carry some magic along with them which makes them glow anywhere they go and are liked by everybody immediately! What is that all about?
Usually the first impression that we create is never forgotten and remains intact in a person’s mind. For example, you could have had a very bad day or could have been caught up in a very clumsy situation when you met someone for the first time and that does not mean that you are not a good guy/girl. But even if you are a better person, the very first image that gets imprinted initially never gets erased from anybody’s memory. So, it is always very important to create the best impression about yourself in a person’s mind when you meet them for the first time as it gets permanently etched in their memory.
Have you ever looked at a person and thought “freak” or “loser” and walked past them? Are you afraid that the same could happen to you too?
Making a good first impression might seem to be a very tough task, but it is actually very simple. Do not worry as here are the 10 tips to create the best first impression with anybody at any kind of situation.
1. Be Yourself
Do not try to be something you are not. Be yourself. You need not pretend to be humorous. It will not look good and people can easily sense that you are being artificial. The first meeting would turn out to be an ugly one for both you and the other person who meets you. People generally love originality. Show the best qualities that you actually possess and grab a special space in their heart by being your natural self.
2. Talk but Don’t Brag
Talking is good. But bragging is a complete no-no! Do not underestimate or put down anybody. The moment you do that, people around you would feel that they are your next targets and automatically move away from you. Discuss with people about positive things and listen to their stories as well. Do not discuss about your past relationships and other bad memories. Share joy and happy moments when you meet people for the first time. You should be remembered for something good and not for something that is ugly, weird or embarrassing. Have a happy conversation and leave with a good note. That is how you a mark a great impression!
3. Be Interested & Interesting
When you talk to people, listen to them. Be a good listener. Be interested in what they have got to say. Ask questions, doubts regarding the topic that they are discussing with you. This will express your interest in them and makes them like your company. Find what you share in common and discuss about the same. Be interesting. When you talk about something you like in common, you will be interested to talk more and you will also look interesting to the other person. It will leave an ever lasting impression in their mind about you.
4. Hygiene
Stay clean, neat and tidy. Use good quality perfume. Make sure it is not too strong either. Your intention is not to suffocate people with the fragrance of your cologne. Maintain your teeth, nails and cuticles clean. People would not like to come near you if you look dirty and stink. Make sure your skin is well moisturized, do not let it dry. Shower daily and wear a good deodorant. If you are a girl do not wear too much of make up. Keep it simple and neat.
5. Proper Posture
Body language is a mode of communication that explains more about you than the words that you speak. Sit straight and walk with your head held high. Do not fidget or become nervous. Your posture informs people about what exactly is going on in your mind. Do not just fold your arms and stand firmly. It would make you look like you are not open minded to meet and be friendly with the other person. Be casual. Do not groom your hair incessantly or bend your back and shoulders. Most importantly do not bite your nails. Do not look at the clock every few minutes! Feel free to move around and to sit and chat with various groups of people irrespective of their age and social or economic status. Impress them with your body language just by being casual.
6. Dress Appropriately
Your attire matters. The clothes and accessories you wear define you. You need not always wear the costliest clothes. Wear simple yet decent clothes that suit you. Make sure you feel comfortable in the clothes you wear. Dress according to the situation and place where you are about to spend time for the first time. Know the kind of people who are invited. If it is an official meeting, keep it simple and formal. If it is a party or any social gathering, make sure you have the right accessories. Do not be too wacky. Try different things and stay updated. Sometimes simplicity is the best way to create the best impression.
7. Don’t Be Shy
Be friendly. Do not hesitate to greet someone new. Feeling shy would make you look like a loser. Try to overcome your shyness by meeting more people and mingling with different kinds of people. Shake hands with him / her when you say hello. Do not hold their hands too loosely or just brush their fingers. At the same time do not squeeze their hands as well! It is not the time for you to show your physical strength! When you do, give a firm handshake. Do not feel shy especially if the person is of the opposite gender. Stay cool and calm. A firm handshake indicates your confidence. It also shows your interest in meeting them. It lays a fine foundation for a good relationship as well as a better first impression.
8. Eye Contact
When you meet someone for the first time, it is very essential to look at them and have a proper eye contact. If you do not look at a person’s eye when you meet or greet them it is an insult to the latter. Sometimes it builds a sense of dishonesty or lack of trust. When you talk to a group of people try to have eye contact with all of them especially the one who is the eldest or the one who is considered more important. It is an act of showing respect and loyalty. People tend to trust you and have a good impression about your character when you have good eye contact while talking to them.
9. Be Confident
Be confident when you meet anybody. Confidence develops a great aura around you. It attracts people towards you because confidence creates a magical positive energy both inside and outside. But do not be overconfident. Anything in excess is dangerous. Over confidence irritates people around you and makes you look crabby. So just be confident that you can do anything and give your best in every good opportunity. Stay positive. Optimism is a key to confidence. Remember, you are a wonderful person and so are the others. Meeting new people and moving to different environments is the best way to test your confidence and give your best.
10. Smile
A simple smile can change a situation upside down. Always put on a genuine smile on your face. It makes people around you feel warm and comfortable. It would give you a better outlook and also make you feel confident as well. Do not fake it. It should be genuine and not artificial. A smile will also help you to start a conversation with anybody. It also tells a person that you like their company. When you make people feel comfortable, they automatically tend to talk to you and like you even more. A smile could also help you escape an embarrassing moment of silence or any awkward circumstances.
So, do not worry. Just smile genuinely and see people like you more than you actually anticipated!
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