Looking to sweep the floor from under your boss, interviewer or date in the very first shot you get?
That is why we are here today
What is a first impression?
It is the impression/imprint that someone has of us when they meet us for the first time. People will take notice of what you are wearing, how you look ,how you speak,how you respond to them .You look tired,or energetic,or enthusiastic.
The degree to which they go into details consciously and subconsciously varies from person to person
But everyone does notices how you carry yourself. Even the perfume that your wearing has a subconscious effect on people
It gives them a summary of what they can expect from you
And so they treat you likewise
We all know as grown ups how important our first interaction with someone is
How they view us, our company
Why does it matter so much?
First impression is the last impression
As the great saying goes,
Will Rogers
When people meet us for the first time they form their first image of ourselves in their minds
Some people we only get to meet a couple of times in our life
How they remember us depends on what impact our interaction made on them
Our first impression is a deal-maker in scenarios like a job interview, business deals, government offices, etc
Scenarios in which you could find yourself in –
INTERVIEWS
One of the most nerving scenarios one could find oneself in
Especially if it’s a big opportunity or oneself is desperate for a job.
Hold your nerves and be confident
Nobody wants an employee who gets nervous when faced with a diffficult situation
Answer your questions diligently. Analyse the job description carefully so that you know the expectations of the interviewer and match your answers in-line with their vision.
DATES
Oh, you were delighted to read the heading weren’t you?
Heading into your first date is not always as smooth as in Hollywood?
For starters,
Bring a gift (take note boys)
Something. anything. Just not too over the bar
Flowers , chocolate, anything you know about your date.
Anyplace they wanted to be but never have been.
It’s not always about making them feel special like some movie grandiosity but rather making them feel themselves.
Just make normal eye contact while you initiate your first conversations so that the other person
CONFRONTATION
You might be reminded of Thomas Shelby’s aesthetics from the hit show Peaky Blinders if someone asked you about confrontation
Your opponents might decide in the very few seconds of meeting you what approach they might take against you.
If you come across as someone who is shy and timid, then they would push you to gain more ground in the confrontation
Whereas if you seem as someone who would stand their ground then they would tread carefully
TIPS
Be on time
So simple. People might not think of you so highly if you are on time. But it definitely leaves a bad impression if you’re late.Plan to arrive early at your destination because sometimes it can be life saver if you get caught in the middle of a situation like tire puncture( anything even as remotely small as a rock on the road can delay you).
Carry yourself properly
Dress as the occasion demands. It’s obvious you would go for a formal suit for an interview, informal clothing on a morning hike, and so on as per the occasion but pay attention to the details of what the company or organization is about.
Practice the scenarios
In your head – Practice the scenarios in your head. How you would approach the office or designated place. How you would use your voice tone.
What could be your first 2 or 3 opening lines.
With someone – React the scenario with your friend, sibling, parent or someone who knows you inside out.
Real life scenarios
Be confident and positive
Be optimist about the situation
Don’t let your mind overthink the situation
Just brush those thoughts away and focus on your task
Take feedback and reflect
Take feedback from someone you admire for their people skills.
Reflect on what you could have done better and give yourself a pat on the back for whatever improvement you did.
Make eye contact
Don’t stare down people rather just look at them while having a conversation .It assures them that they you are interested in what they are saying
As a general rule, though, direct eye contact ranging from 30% to 60% of the time during a conversation is considered optimal
Females look more at those they are talking to than do males. That’s one of the reasons women prefer a face-to-face conversation, while men are content to talk standing side-by-side.
DON’TS
Try too hard – For your own sake, don’t go all-in trying to blow away the other person. You might just literally blow them away (never to see them again). Over exaggerating things and constantly talking about oneself might come off as too self centred.
Dont try to
Interrupt others
Yes, you might have something interesting to say but always wait for the other person to finish their delivery. Interrupting others might come off as rude.
Focus on your phone
Don’t get your head stuck in your phone.
If you’re constantly glued to your phone like a fly on a windshield, you might as well be wearing a neon sign that flashes “Not Listening, Please Repeat” in bright, obnoxious colors.
Say inappropriate things
Keep things on an appropriate level in your first meeting. Don’t say anything derogatory for anyone.
Get overwhelmed
Don’t get too excited about the situation. Keep calm and be positive. It’s easier said than done. We get it. But overthinking about everything is like boosting nitrous into alto engine.