10 MANTRAS TO MAKE A BETTER FIRST IMPRESSION THAT LASTS LONGER

 

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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