7 aspects to create the best first impression
While it may seem unfair to be “judged” in seven seconds, that’s just how fast the human brain observes and processes details about someone else.
We all want to make an incredible first impression in parties, at work, at an interview, on a date, you name it. I read a book titled “Modern Etiquette Made Easy” by Myka Meier and I loved this particular part on ‘first impression’ so much.
But first, the most important question to ask yourself before every first impression is “Who am I meeting?” By knowing who you are walking into, and the formality of the person or group, you can plan ahead to dress and present yourself to be the most relatable and therefore likeable.
Here are seven aspects I summarized from the book:
1. Physical placement
When you walk into any door or room, always remember to never turn your back to the room you’re entering or the people you are meeting.
Walk in and open the door with your right hand. Walk through the door, and then by changing your hands behind your back, the door should then close with your left hand.
2. Facial control
The two most important part of the face are eyes and mouth. If you walk into a room with your mouth open, that is a sign of openness, receptiveness, and friendliness.
If your mouth is closed or even pinched, you instantly look less approachable.
And don’t forget to smile.
3. Personal presentation
You need to dress the way you want to be addressed. To create your own personal brand, you first need to visualize what it is that you want to present, then you need to make it happen.
Also a polished presentation doesn’t just include dressing; you need to pay attention on your nails, hair and skin.
4. Posture
A good posture shows that you’re attentive, alert, powerful and confident.
Make sure to roll your shoulders back, and keep your chin so that it is parallel to the floor at all times.
Sitting posture: Avoid using arm rests, as this will make you relax and your spine will begin to curve
Your back should not touch the back of the chair; this will help you keep a straight spine
Standing posture: If you’re standing you should have a slight curve of your spine inward so that your shoulders and your bum are the only two parts touching a wall if you were to stand against it.
5. Voice
Having a strong voice is a key in having a strong presence.
There are four parts to every person’s voice; which are called the “4 P’s”, which is a vocal training method developed by Diana Mather and they stand for:
Pitch: Is your voice showing emotion or is it monotone? Is it too loud or too soft? The good thing is it is fixable.
Pace: Do you get excited about an idea that you speak too fast? Well to speak fast can be a sign of nervousness that shows a lack of poise and confidence.
Pause: Do you ask questions without waiting until others answer before you start talking over them?
Passion: We all need passion when we talk about something important to us.
6. Body language
According to research, the total impact of a message is about 7 percent verbal (words only), 38 percent vocal (voice, tone and other sounds) and 55 percent nonverbal.
You could say one thing but your if your body and facial expression say something else, you’re not getting the message across.
When someone is speaking, always make direct eye contact with them the entire time. When you are speaking, you can take quick breaks from direct eye contact and look up or down as you are thinking and speaking.
Also while other people are speaking, remember to nod your head to show understanding and that you do pay attention.
Remember to put that phone away while conversing with others.
7. Charisma
What makes you want to talk to someone, learn more about them, spend time with them? It’s hugely their energy, but also about how they make you feel. They put others first, always complimenting, making an effort to connect and build rapport with other people.
Charisma, or charm, as people call it, can be learned, practiced, and mastered
If you liked this article you could read the comprehensive content from the book itself and get insights on how to properly sit (for gents and for ladies), how to get in and get out of the car, how to walk in heels, standing postures for ladies and staircase posture.
