How to Make a Good First Impression

Tips to make a good first and lasting impression

Q – When meeting someone for the first time, what is the first thing a person will judge you on?

• When meeting someone, before you even open your mouth, the person will judge you on what you are wearing, what you are doing, and on your body language. For example, if you are staring at your cell phone as soon as you walk into a party or meeting, they will assume that you are either insecure because you are not looking at people, or that you are just rude!
• To make a good impression, dress appropriately for the situation, be mindful of your actions and how others may perceive you, and as soon as you walk into a situation or approach someone you are going to meet, put a smile on your face, put energy into your posture and attitude, and give direct eye contact to the person/people you are going to meet.

Q – So after making sure you have positive body language, what do you do next?

• You need to make sure that you give a firm and confident handshake! For example, you do not want to give a “dead fish” handshake because it shows insecurity, lack of education and a proper upbringing, and it makes the other person feel awkward when they’re trying to give you a firm handshake. Also, don’t overpower someone with an aggressive handshake or place your left hand over theirs.
• Make sure you also look someone directly in the eyes when shaking their hand, because when you don’t, you lose their respect and you lose your credibility.

Q – What am I supposed to say when meeting someone to make a good impression?

• Maya Angelou said it best when she said, “people remember how you made them feel, not what you said.” So, your job is to make someone feel respected, cared about, and important, all within a brief time.
• How you do this is to obviously tell them your name full name while you are shaking hands, and say, “It’s nice to meet you”, but then there are a couple of other tips:
  • Use their name immediately and often throughout the conversation.
  • Ask them questions about themselves.
  • Actively listen by giving eye contact (don’t look around the room or at your phone), give responses, and ask follow-up questions.

Want more information on how to make a good first impression? Watch the Good Day Charlotte segment HERE.

Looking for social skills and manners classes for you or your club, company, or group? Contact me at aimee@finesseworldwide.com or go to my website at FinesseWorldwide.com.

Have an etiquette question you'd like answered online in Charlotte Parent magazine or on Fox News during the "Thursday Throwback to Manners" segment airing the first and third Thursday or every month between 7:30 – 8:00 AM? Please email me your etiquette question today – aimee@finesseworldwide.com. Thank you!