How to Make a Good First Impression
First impressions are very important. Some people are given the wrong impressions because of how they carry themselves on that first meeting. Here are some tips you can follow to make a good first impression.
Grooming
Making yourself presentable is essential when meeting somebody for the first time. The moment you walk in that room, the other person will instantly form his impressions on you by how you look.
Take a shower. Carrying a clean and fresh appearance is the first step to making a good impression. Taking a warm shower will relax and refresh your body.
good student
Shave. Unless you can carry on the look, it’s always good to shave those unnecessary facial hairs. Shaving your beard will give you a cleaner look. For the ladies, if you plan on wearing a sleeveless blouse or a strapless dress, don’t forget to remove your underarm hairs. Unshaven underarms are very unsightly. (Tips on how to get rid of body hair)
Wear appropriate clothes. Know the occasion or the place that your going to. Some fine dining restaurants have dress codes. Avoid embarrassment by checking if there are any dress codes on the place that you’re going to and follow it. If it’s a business meeting and you’re meeting in your client’s office, be sure to wear proper business attire.
Put on a nice fragrance. Don’t forget to dab a small amount of perfume on your wrists and neck before leaving the house. Choose a fragrance that’s not too strong. You may also opt to spray cologne all over your body instead of using a perfume. The important thing is to smell good. If you’re not bringing a car and commuting by train or bus, try to reapply a small amount of the same perfume or cologne before entering the room. You don’t want to smell like that junkie, who sat beside you on the bus or that drunk guy who stood close to you on the train, right?
Be Punctual
There’s no excuse for being late, especially on a first meeting. Tardiness brings a bad impression. The other person may think that you’re not a responsible individual because you can’t even arrive on time. (see 20 surefire ways to beat the morning traffic)
Smile
Carry a positive vibe by smiling often. Smiling will make the other person feel at ease with you. This will help both of you to relax and get to know each other well.
Be Confident
Remember that you’re both meeting each other for the first time. Your actions will show how confident you are. Don’t ruin your chance of making a good impression by being uncomfortable. Stand or sit up straight. Relax and let your personality show. Avoid fidgeting or looking at different directions. The other person might think that you’re not interested or that you’re too nervous to even concentrate on important things.
Be Polite and Attentive
This is the best time to use those social skills you’ve learned in school. Always be respectful in your words and actions. Understand what the other person is saying. Say “please” and “thank you” when necessary. Don’t forget to turn your phone off or put it on silent mode. Also, try not to answer any calls unless you think it’s an emergency. It’s not very proper to talk on the phone while you’re in a meeting. If you can’t avoid it, excuse yourself and apologize.
Be Conversational
A conversation involves the exchange of ideas between persons. It’s a bit hard to start a conversation, especially with somebody you’ve never met. It may help to find out basic information of the other person prior your scheduled meeting. You may also try to browse your local newspapers or go online for current news. These will help you start a good conversation.
When meeting people for the first time, always remember to put on your best self. As the saying goes, first impressions last. Make yours a good one.