First Impression

First Impression Etiquette

First impressions last for ever

• First Impression- Good manners for the first time.

It takes only three to five seconds to make a first impression, but it can take a whole career to undo it

Here's what you should keep in mind during those first fateful moments to make a positive impression at an interview, conference, party or any other time you meet new faces:

1. When meeting people for the first time, how do I ensure creating the right impression?!

To ensure you create the right impression when meeting someone for the first time, you must first understand how impressions are created by looking at the 3 part signal of communication.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression

Research has shown that the first impression is created within almost 15 seconds of meeting someone either face to face or over the telephone which was approved by writers, physiologists and seminar leaders. When we communicate the impression we create is communicated via three areas:

• Body language
• Voice tone
• Words used

It's not what you say but the way that you say it

How can I use the 3 parts signals of communication in creating the right impression?!

Research has shown that 55% of this impression created comes from our body language, 35% comes from the sound of our voice and only 7% comes from the words we use. Therefore, the following quote sums it up nicely:

a) Body

• Stand up to get on eye level with the person;
• Maintain eye contact with as many people in the room as possible. Look them in the eye;
• Give a firm handshake, but don't "bone crush" them;
• Body directed towards the audience. Keep your shoulders and feet oriented toward the person;
• Always Smile;
• Arms relaxed;
• Standing or sitting balanced and centred;
• Great People Warmly-smile;
• Give 100 percent of your attention to the other person;
• Use open body language;
• Gesture naturally.

b) Voice

• Fine-tune and rehearse your self-introduction, which includes your first and last name and slight background information;
• Match your tone, Speed and volume of voice to the other person's;
• Change your pitch, to avoid the dullness of a monotone;
• Pause-doesn't speak to slowly or quickly;
• Breathe.

c) Words/ speaking style

• An individual's speaking style impacts the first impression, may be more than we wish. Listeners judge our intelligence, our cultural level, our education, even our leadership ability by the words we select-and by how we say them.
• Use the name of a new acquaintance frequently. "Judy, I like that suggestion."You show that you have paid attention from the start, catching the name during the introduction;
• Use people's names at every opportunity;
• Others not me: Illustrate that the spotlight is on you only, and you'll miss opportunities for friendships, jobs, relationships, sales;

Recently I attend a business dinner. And I sat with several people I didn't know before. While most of our tablemates made good impressions, one man emerged as the person we'd be sure to avoid. He talked about himself, non-stop. Only rarely did anyone else get a chance to speak. Unfortunately, he probably thought he was captivating us with his life story.

• Avoid slang (Jargon);
• Use simple and appropriate words for the audience;
• Avoid filler words like 'um,' 'eh' etc.;
• Use positive words;
• Try changing negative phrases around using positive words and communicate a 'can do' approach.
• Be careful with humor;
• Give up the need to be right: Confrontations with somebody you've just met will destroy rapport before you challenge another's statements.

3. Tips to Impress:

At events where you have a chance to make new contacts, take a proactive approach. "Go in with an attitude that says you're willing to go up and introduce yourself to people and start conversations.

But if you do it with your own charm, those you meet will be impressed by your sociability.

Appearance counts

A professional colleague offered to meet me for lunch. I went wearing a black suit. When he showed up in sport shirt and trousers, the message he conveyed was:

"Bill, meeting you is a rather ordinary experience, and doesn't call for me to present a business-like appearance." Not surprisingly, that was the last time I met with him.

• Before even say hello, people form an opinion of you based on how you look. Look sharp by dressing slightly more formally than the people you're meeting with.Avoid excessive jewelry.
• Check the back of your clothes in the mirror for rips and stains, also examine the back of your shoes for mud splashes or worn-down heels.

Do not be late to an occasion

• Figure out how long it takes to get to your meeting point and allow extra time. It's better to arrive early than risk tardiness.
• If you arrive more than 10 minutes ahead of schedule, take a short walk before going inside. Arriving too early can make the person you're meeting nervous.