I’m sure you’ve heard the saying,
“They didn’t make the best first impression on me.”
According to clinical psychologist Linda Blair, we have “seven seconds” to make a first impression when first meeting someone. These seven seconds can make or break our personal life, career, and business pitch. As humans, we crave connection. When people listen to and hear where we’re coming from, it is one of the most satisfying elements of being a human. First impressions can create lasting connections that will only open the door for us to opportunity in the future.
Here are the five ways to make an unforgettable first impression:
1.) BE VULNERABLE
There’s something about talking to someone who is extremely open about themselves when you first meet them. They talk about their fears, desires, wants, likes, dislikes, etc. It shows that you’re comfortable in your own skin, and are willing to be open with someone you just met. Vulnerability comes with a price because we put ourselves out there not knowing how someone will respond.
2.) LISTEN
Listening is something we all are constantly improving upon. As human beings, we are already thinking of how to respond before the person we’re talking to even finishes speaking. I’ve found repeating back to the person you’re talking to what they just said, is extremely powerful. It shows the other person that you were listening to them, which is very satisfying when you’re on the other side of a conversation.
3.) MAKE EYE CONTACT
Have you ever been talking to someone and they aren’t even looking at you? I had an old boss who would talk to me, but not look at me. It was very strange, especially in the business world. But, making eye contact with a person, especially in a large room filled with people and distractions, is a great impression. Making eye contact with a person we’re talking to shows our sincerity and respect.
4.) USING NAMES
We feel good when people use our names, especially in a first encounter. I’m sure many of you have forgotten the names of people you just met. It happens. I’m guilty of it. But, sometimes it happens because we weren’t listening to begin with. We weren’t present. We shook the hand of a person and exchanged names, then it went through one ear and out the other. Being conscious about using names is a habit that will help you extensively.
5.) SMILE AND MIRROR
A smile will always be contagious. People will always wonder why you’re smiling all the time. Smiling when speaking to someone shows that you’re enjoying yourself in conversation and actively engaging. Then there’s mirroring. We do this subconsciously as human beings. We mirror other’s body language when in conversation. When mirroring is established, connection and understanding will surface.
First impressions can last a lifetime. We have seven seconds to make a good one. So we might as well make it count.