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.
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Definition: first impression
A first impression is the quick judgement people make during the first few seconds of a new meeting. It comes from clear cues such as eye contact, smile, voice and dress. The view fixed in that moment guides their later trust and openness and is tough to shift once set.
Show CG4D Definition
- Forms within the opening seconds of contact
- Built mainly from visible and audible cues
- Guides later trust, liking and openness
- Remains resistant to change once established
Article Summary
Make a good first impression by greeting each new person with steady eye contact, a warm smile, a firm handshake and their name, then ask easy questions, listen more, keep talk upbeat and read their feedback; these simple acts shout trust, warmth and respect in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
How fast do people form a first impression?
Why does eye contact matter when you meet someone?
What makes a good professional handshake?
How can I remember a new person’s name?
What small talk questions relax a stranger?
How do I keep conversation positive and avoid negativity?
What signs show I should adjust my approach?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
A 2024 YouGov survey of 2,100 UK adults found that 79% rank direct eye contact as the key sign that a new person can be trusted. The same 2024 YouGov poll showed that 58% of respondents still prefer to greet a new contact with a firm handshake, even after recent health concerns.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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