First Impressions and How To Master Them

First impressions matter. Rightly or wrongly, in todays’ fast paced society, people make snap judgements of each other based solely on appearances. At best, this judgement is personal opinion and doesn’t matter much. At worst, it leads to intolerance, bias and discrimination.

In business meetings, job interviews and social circumstances, our appearance and manner may be under the microscope. Body language, eye contact and general comportment work together to determine our overall demeanour which may be well-received or off-putting.

Some people are more cognizant of comportment than others. If the person you are doing business with (or dating) is highly sensitive to appearance, countenance, or the way you conduct yourself, there may be little you can do to change their impression of you.

Science says we have 7 seconds to make a first impression. It is important to remember that not everybody will automatically like everybody else. But in situations that you DO control, why not give yourself the advantage associated with making a good first impression?

Express genuine interest : Rather than acting interested in your contemporaries conversation, BE interested. The difference is palpable!

Make eye contact : It is important to look people in the eye, but not too much. Staring is inappropriate and embarrassing.

Fit in : Research shows people like people who mirror them. Dress appropriately for the occasion and blend in.

Share : Conversation is a two-way street, and if your peers are to like you, they must feel they know you, so share some personal information. Not too much though!

Body language : Take time to understand how your body language speaks for you. Watch someone you admire; how close do they stand, how do they introduce themselves, how do they comport themselves? Practise what they do until you feel comfortable in yourself.

Learn names : As Carnegie put it in How to Win Friends and Influence People, a persons name is to that person the 'sweetest and most important sound in any language. Not good with names? Try some recall techniques, word association tricks or work on improving your memory.

Next time you prepare for an important meeting, a first date or public speaking event, consider what kind of first impression you are exuding. Ensure your body is speaking the same language as your intentions. Projecting a warm and friendly personality will attract the same.

Remember, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so put your best foot forward and wow your audience every time!