A first impression is always important, whether when you’re meeting a new client or during a job interview. “It is during these times that your general appearance and demeanor will decide how people will choose to remember their first encounter with you. And more on that, as clients, how will they choose to take your professionalism. First encounters are the deal breakers in a business transaction,” says Kyle Stephenson, President of Great Richmond Rentals
What many do not know is that there are psychological ways in reinforcing your actions and words to create a lasting first impression.
1. Always Start Simple
Most first encounters begin with a simple handshake, but even this introductory gesture already puts some weight on just how a person will assess you before they even begin talking to you. An experiment showed that people with good, firm handshakes tend to be perceived as more positive, extroverted, and outgoing. Consequently, this openness will help others get a good idea of your demeanor and bearing. Never underestimate the influence of a simple handshake.
2. Do not Underestimate the Power of Your Smile
People always posit that smiling creates a good effect when talking to someone — and they’re right. In an experiment concerning the psychosocial effects of a smile, it was proven that smiling has a positive expressive boon, both for yourself and the people around you. Put simply, showing another person your expressiveness and openness through your smile will give off attractiveness and influence another person positively as well.
3. Show Your Sincerity Through Eye Contact
The value of eye contact in a first encounter has its weight as well. One psychological study mentioned that maintaining eye contact indicates interest, social importance, and sincerity when speaking to another person. Remember to lock gazes with a person when listening or talking directly to them. The psychosocial effects behind it add to a positive reception of your demeanor and elicit good feedback from the other person.
4. You Are What You Wear
Psychology also explains the importance of what we wear when presenting yourself to other people and not simply relying on your disposition. An experiment conducted by a Hertfordshire psychology professor, displayed the positive reception of well-dressed individuals. Consequently, presenting a neat and well-chosen wardrobe during that first encounter will help invoke an image of intelligence, confidence, and responsibility. Dress sharply and neatly, because what we wear does matter.
5. Body Language Is an Extra
When you run out of words to relay a successful, meaningful message in a first conversation, don’t panic. Instead, use gestures. A communications study showed that non-usage of gestures will incur difficulties in stating what is supposed to be said, contrary to the semantic effect of gesticulating. Not only will the gestures help you deliver your thoughts with more articulation, it will also ensure that you deliver some form of sincerity and emphasis. This will be received positively by the person you are talking to when you relay your thoughts, compared to when you rely only on your words in an exchange.
6. Practice Your Punchlines
A casual but somber conversation, even with the right words, will quickly trail off. Don’t be afraid to put some humor in your exchange with a person. A University of New South Wales research study showed how humor can help relieve stress and facilitate social relationships. If the situation calls for it, pop a casual joke or make a funny statement as an icebreaker. You will be received and remembered with even more warmth.
7. Always Be Yourself
Lastly, and arguably the most important aspect, is on the idea of overthinking. A recent neuroscience study at UC Santa Barbara explained the negatives of overthinking with regards to thinking about what to do or what to say. In line with this study’s notion, trying too hard in thinking how to prepare for a first encounter or what to say to a person then will actually end up undesirably. Don’t overthink too much on the idea that you’re not going to be able to put up a good talk because it’s more trouble than it actually is. Instead, let it come naturally.