How to Make
Great First Impressions
It is extremely important that people have a good
first impression of you.
As everybody knows, first impressions really count,
because they are going to affect the way the other
person sees you for the rest of your relationship.
 Before
we go on, let's ask ourselves? What is a first
impression? It's the first feelings and thoughts a
person has toward you when he sees you or listens to
you for the first time. The first impression is made
during the first few minutes, and it's influenced by
the way you look, act, dress, and talk.
Why is a good first impression important? If you go
to school, your peer's first impression of you will
determine whether you make new friends or not. If
you are a salesperson, a customer's first impression
of you will influence whether he buys your product
or not. If you go to a job interview, the first
impression the interviewer has of you will influence
his final hiring decision.
You have to make a great first impression! Now, that
may be easy for the chosen few who can strike up a
conversation with just about anyone, but for some of
us it's not so easy. Some of us always feel that we
fall a little short, that we just can't get it
right.
How do you make a good impression? There is one way
which always works. You might need a little
practice, but if you follow this advice, you will
make excellent first impressions:
- First of all, smile. Give the person you are
meeting a big smile. Everybody loves a person who is
happy to see them.
- Stand or sit up straight and do not cross your
arms. Body language is very important.-
Cheerfully greet the person with a loud, hearty “Hi”
or “Hello” and give them a firm handshake.
- Try to say the other person's name at least once
in the conversation.
- Act the way you would act if you were meeting a
good friend who had been away for a long time. Be
enthusiastic.
- Always make eye contact, it makes a person feel
special. If you are meeting a group of people, make
sure to make eye contact with all of them.
- Show people that you are happy to meet them, and
they will feel happy to meet you.
Practice this technique until it becomes second
nature. Practice in front of a mirror, practice with
a family member or a friend. Practice!
It might feel awkward at first, but in a short time
you will find it easier and easier to start and keep
conversations with people you would not have dared
to approach in the past, and you will be making
great first impressions.
|
