Make a Good First Impression
Make a Good First Impression
I would like to give you some tips on how to make a good first impression.
On meeting someone, do the following things:
- Look right into their eye; give direct eye contact.
- As you look into their eye; smile gently.
- Hold-out your hand; make an invitation to shake hands.
- As you shake hands, if you are strangers, give your first name and ask for theirs.
- Immediately use their name and ask them how they are: "Hi Sam, nice to meet you. How are you today?"
- Keep the conversation going by asking easy-to-answer questions.
- Listen more than you speak.
- Keep the conversation about current events and optimistic futures.
- Don't complain or condemn, nor criticise anyone.
- Keep an eye on the feedback results your actions are creating and make the necessary changes.
Let us elaborate a little on each point:
1. Look right into their eye; give direct eye contact.
The eyes are the window to the soul. So always look into their eyes and you will see who they are and how they are feeling.
2. As you look into their eye; smile gently.
A smile is the best way to show you are a friend. People like friendly people. SMILE and the world smiles with you.
3. Hold-out your hand; make an invitation to shake hands.
Not everyone likes to shake hands, but most people do. Give a brief, firm and dry handshake, and keep looking into their eyes and have a warm smile hovering on your lips.
4. As you shake hands, if you are strangers, give your first name and ask for theirs.
Volunteer your name first and they will usually give you their name.
If they don't, after you have given your name, ask for theirs in return.
"Hi. My name is Chris. And your name is......?
5. Immediately use their name and ask them how they are.
"Nice to meet you Sam. How's your day going?"
6. Keep the conversation going by asking easy-to-answer questions.
Ask questions that are easy to answer. This gives the person something to say, without feeling stressed. This allows the other person to relax in your presence and to get used to you. The more they feel relaxed in your presence the better it is for both of you.
7. Listen more than you speak.
Too many people talk too much. Don't be one of them. See if you can give the lion's share of the conversation to the other person.
8. Keep the conversation about current events and optimistic futures.
Be positive. too many people are too negative. Especially nowadays. You should strive to be a little more optimistic than the average.
9. Don't complain, condemn nor criticise anyone.
Don't complain about anything. If you come across as negative in the first few minutes, you will make a bad impression. Don't criticise anyone, nor complain about the weather, the traffic or the management. Don't tell them about your headache or feelings of exhaustion, nor any other medical conditions. If it is negative, don't say it.
10. Keep an eye on the feedback results your actions are creating and make the necessary adjustments.
After a few minutes, you will begin to get the measure of each other and you should begin to adjust your conversation according to the feedback you are getting. Keep the conversation on the things they are good at talking about.
Follow these tips and you will make a positive first impression.
Quiz: Do you make a good first impression?
First impressions really do count. If you are like most people, when you meet a new person, you make a quick judgement and decide quickly, if you like the look of them or not. And what is true for others, is true for you. Take our quiz to discover if you make a good first impression.
Communication Skills Training
Do you ever think to yourself, "I know what I mean, but I can't explain it"? You need to be able communicate facts, feelings, information and ideas, in a clear, professional and confident manner. If you want to learn more about our communication skills training, please click here.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Your Comments
Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication
-
Advanced Communications Skills
Advanced Communications Skills Advanced Communications Skills - Choose your words carefully Mr Bond, they may be your last! It is possible to mess up BIG TIME, in the blink of an eye, by the clumsy use of language. Words have power. This power can make you more successful or it can...
Read Article > -
The Secrets of Effective Communication
Words have great power. They can conjure up images in the minds of your listener. Think about the language you use in order to avoid any misunderstanding. In business, using the correct words can make or break a sale.
Read Article > -
How Language Causes Confusion
Ambiguity in business can be damaging both for your reputation and your finances. To avoid potential confusion when communicating with colleagues and customers, take a look at these five ways where ambiguous language should be avoided.
Read Article > -
How to be a better communicator
Your work and personal relationships would benefit if you improved your style of communication. Please check out these four strategies you can use straight away, to be a better communicator and gain more co-operation from people around you.
Read Article > -
Communication Skills for Sales People
Whether you need to sell your services or your products, the ability to persuade people to buy is vital to your success. The ability to sell is not a natural talent, it needs to be learned and practised until it becomes second nature.
Read Article >