When you meet a new person, the first 20 seconds are crucial for the future destiny between the two of you. Love at first sight? It is all about the first impression. Could your first appearance be better?
Naturally we all want to leave our new acquaintances with a positive impression of us. Therefore it is a good idea to be aware of how you can improve these essential seconds. From my dayjob as a coach for sales trainees and from my studies of human behavior I have gathered 5 tricks and advices that can improve your first impression.
The “Be positive” character
Attitude is everything. This might sound like an old cliché, but never the less it can be used as a powerful tool. For me this means to get into the “positive character”. Engage yourself into this character. Fake it till you make it, and get into the zone. If you are open minded and positive to new inputs, people will see you as confident.
Meeting an old friend
Here is a powerful tool: When you meet a new person, imagine you are meeting an old friend. When you are smiling and happy to see them, it helps you to get into the right mindset. Caring and interested. “How are you my good old friend? I am so happy to see you!” The warm feelings you project, will make you sparkle with positive energy.
Body language
Because there are so many aspects of the body language, it could be an article for itself. Instead I will concentrate on some of the key point of do’s and don’ts
- Crossing your arms shouts insecurity
Be aware of this. If you don’t know where to put your hands, simply place them on your hips as this signalize an open body language. - Move slowly and confident, like you are moving in water.
This is a great trick, which signalize control and makes you look like the owner of the room. Do you remember John Travolta as Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction? The way he moves when he and Mia Wallace enters the Jack Rabbit's Slim. - Turn your palms upwards for honesty.
When you are talking to other persons, keep in mind your hands are turning upwars. This is a sign of honesty, you have nothing to hide.
(Im sorry for the dubbed language, but you catch the drift of what i mean with moving slowly)
Your first words
Keep in mind, that the first 20 words you say are the first anchoring about you in other peoples mind. Therefore these words must be positive and confident. I often keep my first 20 words pre programmed for the situation, something like “Hi my name is Chris, you must be Darren? I’m glad you are here, I have been looking forward to meet you”
Smile
And not that simulated smile. Instead practice on making your whole face smiling. Think about a situation with your friends where you are having a great time. Work it out in front of the mirror, to get perfect your “smiley face”
This was my 5 tricks for improving your social skills at the first impression. As time rolls you are the only person who can improve it, so i really hope you take notes of this until next time you meet a new person.
Feel free to suggest your own ideas and experiences in comments below.
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