How to Make a Great First Impression

A great first impression lasts. It is easy to make an initial impression, but rather difficult to change that perception after the fact.

Because of our cognitive and implicit biases, we perceive the world and others around us through our own set of filters. A good first impression is the building block to a lasting relationship with someone. Whether it is with a professor, employer, or potential friend, there are a few universal tips for creating a remarkable first impression.

From my experience, making a good first impression shows my character, as well as gratitude for the conversation. I have listed below the top tips for creating a great experience for your first impression.

1. Maintain Eye Contact

The most important tip in creating a great first impression is the use of eye contact. Maintaining eye contact is crucial to building a great relationship. It shows your attentiveness, as well as respect for the individual you are speaking to. This is important as it demonstrates your nonverbal communication skills with the individual. Although it is important to keep eye contact, staring at someone for too long may come across as aggressive. A good rule of thumb is 60% of eye contact during a conversation.

2. Smile

This may seem like more of an obvious tip than the others, but don’t underestimate its effectiveness. A genuine smile allows people to feel comfortable and puts them at ease. Smiling initiates a sense of trust for the individual you are speaking to.

3. Dress to Impress

This tip may be directed more towards job-related conversations but is helpful for any situation. Caroline Dunn and Lucette Charette of The National Research Council of Canada found that “people are affected by your appearance, whether or not they realize it, and whether or not they think appearance is important.”  Dressing appropriately for the occasion is a great way to show respect, social awareness, and professionalism to the conversation. Reading the room allows you to gather information on levels of formality.

4. Be Authentic

Insecurity and nervousness can be spotted very quickly in an individual. Many people have nervous habits they do during stressful situations, usually without noticing. By observing your nervous habits during these scenarios, you can learn to stop them. For me, popping my fingers was something I needed to quit when I was nervous. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will make you a great communicator.

5. Communicate Effectively

The phrase “a good communicator listens more than they talk” is very much true. Listening not only shows your attentiveness but also your emotions towards the person you are speaking to. You may think the conversation will struggle if you are not speaking as much, but rather the contrary. Most people love to speak so there is not much to worry about. If you listen more and communicate clearly, people will enjoy speaking with you.

6. Use Correct Body Language

Body language is fifty-five percent of communication during an interaction. Just like tip  #4, insecurity is easy to spot during an interaction. Good posture makes you appear more confident. Another great use of body language is to avoid crossing your arms or legs. This subconsciously closes the individual off from the person you are speaking to. Observe your body language during social interactions and work to correct it.

7. Be Optimistic

Not only does it feel good to be around someone with a positive attitude, but it also usually influences you to act the same. By having a positive attitude during social interactions, good first impressions will be much less challenging.

8. Show Empathy

The last tip I have for a good first impression is using empathy with an individual during your interaction. Being aware of someone’s emotional well-being is imperative to reading the conversation correctly and letting them know you understand them emotionally. This helps to build a stronger connection immediately.

A good first impression is one of the most important things you can do in achieving lasting relationships with others. Not only does it let them know you are confident and attentive, but also positive and comfortable to be around. Using these tips may help you achieve that next job interview, extra help in your class, or even begin a new friendship.

Be well, Auburn.

​​Source: https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-make-a-good-first-impression