You never
get a second chance to make a first impression.
- Andrew Grant (British
Author)
First
impression is the last impression. How much time one takes to form the first
impression of the other person? A study by researchers says, about seven
seconds. Sad but true. “Registration” of your impression in perceiver’s mind
takes only few second but it lasts for a long period. How the other person
interacts with you largely depends on the impression you make on his mind. What
are the factors go into making your first impression that gets wrought in the
perceiver’s mind? For how long first
impression remains registered in perceiver’s mind? For a very long time. At times it might happen that you
yourself are indifferent to your own first impression which other persons might
carry but your near and dear, peers or boss would not allow you such latitude.
They will prevail upon you as to how to dress, behave and conduct so that their
own impression is not spoiled! This is enough to drive the point home: Making a
Better First Impression that lasts longer is very important for everybody
irrespective of one’s age and status. Some people quote the example of great
personalities as to how indifferent they were about their impression. My answer
to them is, “Yes, you can also follow these eminent personalities but only
after you achieve the greatness they have achieved”.
Factors those
make your First Impression:
1. Punctuality:
If you are
going to meet a person face to face, take the appointment in advance. Reach in
time as per the appointed time. If you are not able to reach in time, inform
accordingly. Request for re-scheduling the appointment should be avoided as far
as possible.
2. Dress:
An English
idiom says, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” but contrary to the idiom, man intuitively judges the person by
dress. What dress is best suited depends upon multiple factors: occasion,
status, age, season, etc. When on official duty, wear formal dress. Outward
appearance is the main cue that prompts the other person to make or mar your
first impression, even before you speak a word or move a step.
3. Personal Grooming:
If you shave, well shaven face is a basic thing. If you are
sporting a beard, keep it trimmed and tidy. Good oral hygiene. Ornaments? Only
a finger ring or better none. No overt tattoo, preferably no tattoo. For
females, light make up and minimum ornaments as per the applicable custom are
advisable.
4. Smile:
Smile is the cheapest but most precious ornament a man can
wear. Flash a smile as soon as you have eye contact. It pre-empts the other
person’s negative though process about your first impression.
5. Handshaking:
Shake hand with enthusiasm and a broad smile. If handshaking
is not practical, greet with the words Good Morning, Good Afternoon, etc. If
you are knowing (which is desirable) the surname, address the person with
surname and with or without suffixing Sir/Madam (depending upon the hierarchy)
while greeting the person. Presenting a bouquet on special occasions is also in
fitness of the things. In a social gathering, elderly people deserve more
respect irrespective of culture or country. In India, greeting them with folded
hands and saying Namaste is a usual practice and if you are holding them in
high respect, bowing and touching their feet is a sure shot.
6. Conversation:
Confine to relevant points. Speak clearly with confidence. Establish
eye contact while talking. Speak at an audible pitch. Be a good listener. In
case of difference of opinion, raise your width and depth of arguments
supported with logic and data and not the voice. Use appropriate business /
technical terminology which will reflect your professional knowledge. For
meaningful conversation, get yourself ready beforehand with facts and figures. Use
the language with which you both are comfortable. Remain attentive. Do not play
with any object e.g. button of your shirt, wrist-watch, mobile, hair, etc. After
the conversation is over, summarize the action points and note down them. If
you need the visiting card or contact number, ask for it with politeness. Talk
politely irrespective of your position. Courtesy begets courtesy. While talking
over phone or mobile, be extra careful as the person at the other end will
judge you only on your “audio” because your no visual cues are available.
7. Positivity:
Talk with positive approach. It will kindle positivity in
your counter-part. Talking positive does not mean only saying good things and
avoiding conflict of opinion. It is your mental approach to the problem. Say
glass is half full rather than saying half empty.
8. Humility:
Do not boast about your knowledge and achievements. If the other person is appreciating your
knowledge/achievements, thank him and pass on the credit to your colleagues and
seniors.
9. Gestures and
Postures:
Avoid awkward gestures and postures while sitting, standing,
walking or patting. Gestures and postures with “who cares” approach send
negative signals about your personality.
10. Magic words:
Use Please, Thank you, Sorry, Excuse me, Pardon me, May I,
Could you please, OK, Hello Sir, Hello Madam, etc as and when etiquette
demands. These power-packed tiny words help you a lot to make a better First
Impression.
Hope, this reading must have made a very good First Impression about me in your mind but it will not help you to make that of yours until you constantly, consistently and consciously strive to internalize the 10 Commandments discussed above. Anyway, Good Luck for your determination to take a leaf from a person whose first impression has impressed you most.
The reader can reach the blogger at gnpatel@gujaratinfotech.com.
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