When you are meeting someone for the first time, you have to think about everything. It doesn’t make a difference as to whether this is a first date, an interview or you are meeting the headmaster of your child’s hopefully new private school. Each of things things has something in common; you need to make a good first impression. First impressions are far more important than people say they are. Research has shown that the first impression is usually formed between the first seven and 17 seconds. Plus, over half of the person’s opinion is formed by what the other person looks like. That might sound shallow but it’s just the way that humans work, yourself included, no doubt. So, what are some things that you can do in order to make a good impression?
Drink Water
Drinking water will do several things;
- It will reduce the risk of getting cotton mouth, especially if you are nervous.
- If you drink if for a few days prior, it will help any chapped lips.
- It can help to reduce your heart rate and avoid sweating.
However, try not to drink immediately before the meeting in case it makes you have to go to the bathroom. You don’t want to have to leave in the middle of an important conversation.
Dress Appropriately
This might mean you have to leave your mens exotic skin shoes at home and opt for something simpler such as Italian leather shoes. You don’t have to wear expensive, high end mens shoes but you should consider the meeting and when it doubt, dress in neutrals. Low cut shirts, short skirts and bright colors are probably things that you should avoid as well as the mens exotic skin shoes. Wearing all black with a neutral accent color is always a safe bet. Depending on the type of meeting you are having, your outfit might differ and that’s okay.
Mind Your Speech
If you are used to cursing like a sailor, you might want to try and curb that. Some people are okay with it but some find it extremely offensive and that’s not the impression that you want to give off right away. In every scenario, it’s never a bad thing to show that you are well educated. Cursing does not say ‘well educated.’ In fact, it shows a poor handle on the English language so it’s best if you can cut it out completely. Also, read your audience- if you are telling a story that is making them uncomfortable, figure out a way to cut it off. Some people don’t know the meaning to TMI (too much information) but some people have very staunch filters that go into shock when someone else tells them something that makes them uncomfortable.
Smile, But Not Too Much
There needs to be a balance regarding smiling. Much like mens exotic skin shoes, it is possible to be too much. You don’t have to sit and smile the entire time. In fact, that’s a little bit creepy for the person you are talking to. Instead, relax your face and only slightly curve the corners of your mouth for a pleasant expression. This will not only make you seem more approachable and friendly but it will make you more readily able to smile. People with furrowed eyebrows and permanent angry looks on their faces tend to shock people when they smile or laugh all of a sudden. Shocking someone is not the greatest first impression.
If you can do these four simple things then you will be a lot better off. Once you make it through that initial meeting then you can relax a little bit. Of course, you don’t want to present yourself as someone you are not. People can tell the difference between someone being completely fake and insincere and then someone who is simply trying to be courteous and polite. There’s nothing worse than knowing that someone is being fake right in front of you. There’s also nothing worse than acting fake, especially the first time you meet someone because it’s too difficult to keep up the facade for long. Be yourself minus the mens exotic skin shoes and follow the above tips and you should be just fine.