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It’s absolutely true that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Those first few minutes when meeting a new person are critical. With such a short amount of time, how can you improve the odds of someone forming the correct assessment of you – and leaving them with a great first impression?
Think about it. What influences your opinion of a person when you first meet them? Obviously appearance is on the top of the list. But how many people do you meet, and have an initial impression from their appearance, but your feeling about them changes as you get to know them?
Why do we initially “connect” with some people and not with others? It is primarily because people feel comfortable and connect with people that are like them! Familiarity breeds security and comfort. You can make a person feel good by learning to speak their language.
Communication is more than words. The tone of your voice and your body language are even more important than the words you use. If a person you meet is outgoing, upbeat, and full of life, then you need to be friendly and animated. If they speak loudly and use a lot of gestures, you need to be loud and demonstrative also. On the contrary, if they are gentle and soft spoken, they will feel comfortable with you if you are also a bit reserved.
Did you know that you are either creating a feeling of security or a feeling of suspicion by your body language? You should always smile when appropriate, and maintain a comfortable level of eye contact. Looking a person in the eye communicates honesty. When a person refuses to look at you, it sends the message that they have something to hide. You should also respect personal space. Stand or sit close enough to communicate effectively, but not so close that they start to back away. The point is that communication includes your facial expression, your gestures, and the tone and inflection of your voice. If you match and mirror the person you are meeting, they will feel comfortable and connect with you because you are like them.
You set others at ease if you have a degree of self-confidence. You can increase your confidence by a little planning. Have you developed a short, personal story that tells others who you are? It may help you to write out a two-minute version of your personal story. When you are confident, others will feel at ease. Everyone likes to be with people that make them feel good. Finally, one of the best ways to make a great first impression is to focus on the other person. People love themselves! Asking great questions followed by positive affirmations one of the best ways to connect with another person.
Whether in business, personal life, or other social situations, it really is good to know how to leave a great first impression, and it’s all about making others feel comfortable.
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