When you first meet someone, it takes them less than 3 seconds to form their first impression of you. Whether consciously or unconsciously, people form an impression of us based on our appearance, demeanor, and mannerisms and how we are dressed. With every new social or business encounter we make, we are being evaluated and once someone has formed a first impression of you, it is very difficult to change their minds. This is why making a good impression when you first meet someone is extremely important. This is particularly true in the business world, where making a good first impression can mean the difference between a successful enterprise and a failed venture.
Interpersonal relations, in either the social and professional sphere, can be difficult to master, causing a great deal of nervousness and anxiety for everyone involved. Here are a few helpful tips that can help you conquer your anxiety and make a good first impression on everyone you meet:
Make Preparations And Plan Ahead
When you are planning to attend a business meeting or a social event in which you will be meeting people for the first time, you will want to make a series of important preparations. Begin by learning the name of the person you are going to meet, if possible, and visit their LinkedIn page or professional website to acquaint yourself with the industry they are in and the work they are doing. On the personal side, you will also want to have some idea of their interests and hobbies, so you can connect with them through small talk, especially if you share their interests. Planning ahead and being prepared will make you feel more confident and self-assured, which is sure to shine through in the way you conduct yourself.
Gain Confidence By Showing Them Your Dazzling Smile
A confident and warm smile puts everyone in the room at ease and makes social situations much lighter and easier for everyone involved. One of the biggest obstacles to making a good first impression is a lack of confidence in your appearance, and there is no perceived flaw that is more difficult to overcome than problems with your smile. If you have dental issues including chipped, missing or discolored teeth, you are much less likely to smile freely when you meet someone new. The best way to address this issue is to have your dental problems taken care of through the science of cosmetic dentistry, by professionals like this dentist in Tampa Florida. When your dental problem is fixed, you will feel more confident and self-assured and your real personality will shine through as you smile, helping to make a good first impression on everyone you meet.
Make Eye Contact And Listen Attentively
These days there is nothing more disconcerting than meeting someone who seems preoccupied and distant, always checking their phone, seeming as though they do not want to be there. If you want to make a good impression, be fully present, attentive and aware. Make eye contact with those that you are meeting and listen closely to what they are saying. While it might seem that these things are just second nature, the truth is that they are social skills that must be consciously developed.
Just as we are always evaluating those that we meet based on simple signs of character and professionalism, we must always remain conscious of the fact that we too are being evaluated, either consciously or unconsciously, by the exact same standards. While dressing well and minding your appearance is important, there are many subtle signs that you must master to make a good first impression. By making the proper preparations, smiling confidently and greeting your partner attentively, offering good eye contact, you can make a great first impression that will serve you personally and professionally well into the future.
About the author:
Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston, MA. She writes most often on education and business. To see more from Emma, say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2