How to Make a Good First Impression?

Part1-Displaying Self Confidence

1.Be confident in who you are. Whether it is a formal function or an informal get together, the key is to be confident in yourself. Believing in yourself and knowing your worth in any situation is a key factor in letting people know that you are someone who knows what they are capable of. Having enough confidence is in itself a very attractive trait. You don’t need to be smartest or the most physically appealing person to be confident about yourself. The belief that you’re good enough makes you appear more attractive and approachable to the people around you. Confidence is reflected in both body language and mindset, so take care to heed both (see below).

• Just be cautious not to be overconfident or abrupt, as that can turn people off. The best way is to just be yourself and be comfortable in your own way.

2.Be calm and composed. When other people see how calm and composed you are in any situation, they will look forward to depending on you. Your confidence will assure them of your abilities. When others see the ease with which you handle yourself they will also let go off their anxieties regarding meeting someone new for the first time.

3.Be yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not, or you are stuck trying to keep up a pretense, which soon becomes a bore and tiring. Never lie to anybody about what you think, care about and consider important. Be honest. If somebody finds out you have been presenting yourself falsely, they can feel hurt and it might be hard for them to forgive you.

4.Develop approachable and friendly body language. Use the palm upwards gesture, a gesture that subconsciously sends a signal that the talker is open to suggestions and is a non-threatening entity. A smile goes a long way, so be gracious and smile at the person when they make eye contact with you. If you are planning to approach the other person first, walk over confidently and introduce yourself with a firm handshake. (A loose or too tight handshake gives the wrong signal.) The gesture of taking the first step will assure the person that you are interested in them and the smiling face will signal your friendly nature.

• Not all cultures, not all individuals, appreciate a handshake. You could try giving a hug, giving greetings kisses or just being warm and happy in your demeanor, depending on whatever is culturally appropriate. Don’t shake hands with or hug persons who find bodily contact either uncomfortable or inappropriate.

• Stand up straight. Proper posture is imperative. Slouching is a no-no as it gives the impression of insecurity and defeat. Stand straight and tall if you want to convey to someone that you are a strong, confident, deserving individual.
• Work on your walking style. It is best to walk in a comfortable way with your shoulders back, your spine straight and toes pointing to the front. Do not drag your feet. You can have a slow walk or a medium speed walk, depending on how you want people to notice you.

5.Avoid fidgeting. Keep your hands to your side or in your lap. As much as you can, try to avoid biting your fingernails, twirling your hair or crumpling a napkin in your hand. Fidgeting can be really distracting and might even suggest a lack of interest in the other person.

6.Relax. While posture is important, you don’t want to look like a robot, either. Sit up straight, but don’t appear so rigid that you’d fall over if pushed. People can tell if you’re nervous and it makes them feel nervous or awkward too. Just be yourself. Don’t try to impress someone, let your real personality do the work.

Part2-Making Your Own Fashion Statement and Style

1.Present your best self. If you are not going to converse, or the impression is just based on your looks and appearance, then work on your style. Determine what body type you are and see which style suggestions suit you best. Rather than following the latest fashion that may or may not suit you, experiment with different styles and pick out the best three or four looks for parties, or formal functions. Mix and match until you find the right kind of style that reveals you as the person you are and not what is trending on the ramps. Once you’ve locked in your unique style, it will also help boost your confidence, as what you wear does affect your mood, so if you know you are wearing something that brings out the best in you, the extra boost of confidence will definitely help you stay optimistic and happy.

• Be genuine and show your unique personality.
• Ensure the cleanliness of your clothes.
• Be conscious of your accessories and what they will say about you.

2.Go easy on the perfume or cologne. This is self-explanatory. Remember the famous saying “a little bit goes a long way” rather than “too much is never enough”. You may love the scent you are wearing; however, it could easily offend others or cause a reaction to their allergies, if applicable. In this regard, it is probably better to wear none at all or, if you must, then spray it into a distance and wait a few seconds before walking through the sprayed area.

3.Use good hygiene. This is super important, especially for teens. This may seem overly basic, but always shower daily and wear clean, fresh clothes. Also equally important, you should brush your teeth twice daily and be sure to wear deodorant and/or antiperspirant, if needed, especially if you’re meeting someone important who is likely to make you nervous.

Part3-On Meeting Someone for the First Time

1.Smile. Especially when first meeting someone. It’s not necessary to show your teeth, just a meaningful grin will do. Be careful not to transition from a smile to a straight face too quickly, or people will sense you’re being fake or that you don’t like them. Make sure you let the other person speak too; there is nothing more people hate than someone who talks non-stop.

2.Make eye contact. Stay focused on the person you are speaking with and certainly not on anything else to avoid them feeling unappreciated and unwanted. Often if the person has an eye problem, like an eye that turns in, you’re put off by this. Instead, focus on the person’s nose or mouth.

3.Walk over and introduce yourself. The introducing of oneself without any hesitation trick always works and bowls over the person completely. You can start the conversation by introducing yourself and when they say their name you can comment on their name like how it is the same as a celeb or a sports person or a novel or movie character, you can further build on that and ask them the meaning of their name and who chose it for them. Another way is complimenting them on something they are wearing or doing, or how you admire their style or haircut, etc. If they do not react as you expected or anticipated, try asking them if they need something to eat or drink and if you could get it for them, as bringing food and drinks often opens up new opportunities to converse with the person.

• When [[Remember a Person’s Name|remembering the name of the people you meet, use the person’s name: “It’s so nice to meet, you Bob.” If the name is unusual, you might even ask them to spell their name, “as a way to help me remember you.”

Part4-Developing Your Conversing Skills

1.Find your connection. The key to good communication is listening to what the other person is saying, instead of trying to make your point. The best way to make yourself seem interesting is to show a keen interest in what the other person is saying or doing. If, for example, they are talking about their favorite sports team, listen to what point they are trying to make instead of butting in between trying to make a point just to show how much you know about that team.

 

• At a party, you could ask how the other person knows the host and explore that topic a bit.
• If you’re on a job interview, use the know something about the company rule. In fact, know as much as you possible can about it.

2.Have a conversation about something appropriate in the situation. At your new job, ask your colleague how long he has worked there. At the bus stop talk about the weather. Remember what people have told you, maybe ask more questions about some subject. (e.g.: “You have worked here for a year? What did you do before?” or “Where did you live before?”)

3.Concentrate on getting the person to talk about themselves. “So, what do you like to do in your downtime?” A nice comment about appearance is also appropriate — that’s a lovely color for you — is okay for anyone, as it is a compliment. If there is nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all! People can tell you’re lying easily and it will obviously hurt a lot.

• Be attentive and listen. When a person realizes that you have the quality of being a good listener, a friendly talker and openly welcoming, they will find it easier to talk with you and will find you welcoming.

4.Let the other person finish and then add or comment on what they said. If you do not know anything about the sports team, don’t act as if you know what they are talking about; instead this will be a good opportunity to show inquisitiveness and inquire and ask questions from them. For example, why does that person particularly like that team, what is so special about that team and when they do explain, nod in approval or say “Oh I see!”. You can also add in that the person has intrigued and interested you enough to go check up on the said team later on. That’s the art of making conversation. Basically, it is allowing the other person to talk as much as they can while you keenly listen on them. This gesture will have a lasting impression on them, as they will definitely remember you for showing such keen interest in what they had to say.

• Pay full attention. Do not twiddle on your smartphone just to google up the team, instead give the person extra attention and really try and get all the info from them.
• Remember the saying of the wise old bird, “The more he heard, the more learned we became.”

5.Be interesting. Use some common sense when speaking. Most ladies aren’t going to be interested in someone who stands there talking about his last fight in the bar or how many beers he can drink. Similarly, most guys aren’t going to want to listen to stories about cute things your puppy did or how much you like shoes. You’re trying to attract the other person. Intrigue them. Keep them interested. Some good things to talk about:

• Interesting facts or advice.
• Music or movies.
• Questions
• However never be rude about the persons beliefs, religion or ethnicity.

6.Be expressive while conversing with someone. This will definitely make the other person realize that you’re an interesting person to talk to. If on the other hand, you’re too reserved or quiet, it appears to the other person that you’re not interested in making any conversation and that is definitely a turn-off.

• If you’re more of an introverted person, then listening and asking questions will still do the job for you, making you appear as a friendly and exciting person to talk to. Sometimes, when you’re trying to impress someone with your talk, you tend to start flattering people unintentionally, it becomes evident to them in no time. So, make sure that your compliments appear genuine and not overtly flattering.
• The bottom line is making the other person feel comfortable enough to open up to you and the whole gesture of you letting the other person talk––this will definitely leave a strong impression.

7.Make use of a sense of humor. Find something funny about the situation and comment on it wryly. Or tell a clean, good fun joke. Laugh appreciatively at something funny they’ve said.

8.Talk about your interests and hobbies. Ask the other person about what their hobbies are – it’s always a great conversation starter! Ask if they like a specific band or singer. The more you have in common, the easier it will be to carry on the conversation.

• Do not brag or go on endlessly about your connections, your abilities and your achievements. This includes namedropping. The other person will be terrified, not impressed

9.Avoid putting down other people or their projects just to try to win points. When you put down a third party, the other person realizes they are next on your “hit list” of negativity and undermining thinking. Never discuss past relationships on a first date. It’s too personal a topic and it creates a major awkward tension for the other person instantly. If someone asks, just say “I’d much rather learn about you and what interests you.” If they insist, say that it’s not something you like talking about.

10.Close on a good note. Keep them wanting more. Show that you had a really good time and would like to see them again. Maybe even text them saying so when you get home. People on a first date not only want to have a good time, but they want to know that you did as well. They want that reassurance. Don’t be overly clingy though!

• Even if you didn’t get the outcome you sought, remember that you tried and that you are a good and worthy person. Not every person you meet is comfortable about connecting, just keep being the great person you are.