What is the first thing you notice when you meet someone new? Is it the way they look, the way they smile, their clothes, how they act, or something totally different? Whatever is the thing you notice first, it will form your first impression of a person.
And what about you, do you know what’s the first impression you make on the people you meet? It takes only a few seconds for people to form an opinion once they see you. And you know that you can make an excellent first impression only once, so you should try and do it the right way.
If you are wondering how to do it, we can help you. Keep reading if you want to learn how to make the best first impression.
Always Smile
Smiling creates a welcoming and trustworthy atmosphere. A smile is like a hug, and other people will feel welcomed if you smile at them. When it comes to smiling, you don’t want to fake it or force it, as it will look unnatural and odd. A sincere smile will make a difference in the first impression on people. Again, like many other things, if you don’t smile otherwise, you can learn how to do it by practicing. Also, if you don’t like to smile because you think your teeth are not looking good, the advice from a cosmetic dentist in Coral Gables is to invest in your smile and fix it. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself and boost your confidence.
Be Confident
We know it’s easier said than done, but you should act confident no matter the occasion. Even if you are afraid, you shouldn’t panic, and you shouldn’t let other people see that. When it comes to confidence, it’s essential to walk confidently, have proper body language, and talk with confidence. You want everyone to look at you when you enter the room. Some people are born with confidence, while others work on achieving it. So, even if you are naturally shy or don’t feel like a brave person, you can learn.
Make Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact during conversation is essential for a good impression. People will judge you even before you say a word, and with a confident attitude, you’ll want to make eye contact with people. It shows that you are prepared for the occasion. When talking to people, be sure not to look around and instead look them straight in the eyes. However, be sure to tone it down a bit, and don’t stare at people. Try to find the right balance to show you are present in the conversation without being weird or aggressive.
Listen to Others
As we mentioned, it’s essential to listen to people and pay attention to what they are saying. You should know how to communicate with other people, and by that, you’ll need to learn how to listen. A good communicator knows how to and when to be quiet and listens to others. You also want to pay attention to how they feel and what emotions they are showing. You want to make others feel like they are the most critical person in the room. If you are empathetic, it will make a better first impression than not caring about other people’s emotions.
Be Yourself
It’s always best to be yourself and not act like someone else. If you are faking a personality or trying too hard, people will easily see it, and you will make a terrible impression. And if you are not sincere and people notice that it will be difficult or even impossible to amend later. You should dress the way you like to dress, wear the perfume you usually do, as authenticity is appreciated. You should behave politely, but you should also show your true self, with all your strengths and weaknesses.
Pay Attention to Body Language
Besides good communication and listening, you also need to pay attention to your body language. You should feel relaxed, but not too much. It’s important to look comfortable, stand, and sit up straight while holding your head up. You need to avoid holding your arms behind your back or crossing your arms. And if we are talking about the first impression, we need to talk about the handshake. You want to offer a firm handshake that’s not weak but not too aggressive.
Forget About Your Phone
Many people use their phones as a safety net. But even if it’s tempting to take your phone out and see what’s new on Instagram or avoid making eye contact with someone, please don’t do it. If you are somewhere where you need to make an excellent first impression, you don’t want to be constantly on your phone. A person that’s always on the phone will make a poor impression.
Contributing Writer
Eliana Davison is a Writer/Marketing Specialist with a high interest in wellness and a healthy lifestyle. A fashion enthusiast with the aim to inspire people with her writing.
