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Winning people over: A guide to creating a great first impression on-screen & in person

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and whether you’re meeting someone new online or in person, the stakes are high.

You want to make sure you put your best foot forward and come across as likable and credible.

In this guide, we will share some tips on how to make a great first impression both on-screen and in person.

By following these tips, you will be well on your way to creating a great first impression that will help you make connections that will (hopefully) last a lifetime.

How to make a great impression on-screen

When meeting someone online, the first thing they will see is your profile picture. So choose wisely.

If you’re on a video call, make eye contact. Look straight into the camera and hold the gaze. This will make you seem engaged and interested in the conversation.

Another way to make a great impression is to smile. A genuine smile will put your conversation partners at ease and show that you’re friendly and approachable.

Finally, be sure to dress for the occasion even if it’s just a video call. This will help you come across as serious and demonstrates that you respect the people you’re meeting across the screen.

Presenting your personality

Are you confident and poised, or are you fidgety and unsure? Be prepared to present yourself in the best possible light.

But don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be authentic and let your true self shine through, and people will be more likely to trust you.

Crafting your first impression in person

Image Credits: solvvy.com

Arrive early

Showing up early will give you the time to settle in and avoid feeling rushed or stressed. Plus, it sends the message that you value the other person’s time.

Modulate your pitch & tone of voice

Another key element of first impressions is your voice. Make sure you’re speaking in a clear, pleasant tone, and modulate your pitch as needed. Avoid speaking too quickly or too softly, as both can be difficult to listen to and frustrating to deal with.

Making eye contact & nonverbal communication

Making eye contact is essential when it comes to creating a great first impression.

It allows you to establish a connection with the other person quickly. A lack of eye contact might make the other person feel like you’re not invested in the conversation or don’t care about what they have to say.

Nonverbal communication plays an important role in making a first impression as well.

Make sure to focus on your posture, facial expressions, and body language when talking to someone new.

For example, make sure you maintain an upright posture with your shoulders back and head up while smiling and making natural gestures during conversations.

Be mindful of how you’re standing or sitting, and try to maintain a positive, open posture. Avoid crossing your arms or legs, which can make you look defensive or unapproachable.

These small changes have a big impact on how you come across to others and can instantly make people warm up to you. If you project an aura of presence and confidence, others will take notice and be more likely to remember you after the convo.

Developing long-lasting relationships

Making a good first impression is essential to establishing relationships.

But the key to developing long-lasting relationships is to actively demonstrate that you care about the other person.

The little things matter—a smile, a kind word, a gesture of appreciation—all these demonstrate that you value your connection with the other person. Pay attention to their needs, offer help when necessary, and make sure to follow up on any promises you have made.

Additionally, consider spending time with someone in an activity that both of you enjoy. Doing so allows for organic conversation and fosters a deeper understanding of each other’s interests and personalities. Above all, be genuine and honest in all your interactions; people don’t take kindly to those who try too hard or hide behind a mask of pretenses.

To make a great first impression, remember that it’s not all about you. Pay attention to the other person, and be sure to put your best foot forward. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time online or in person, following these tips will help you make a remarkable impression and build strong relationships you will appreciate for life.

Why your last impression is just as important as your first impression

You only get one chance to make a first impression.

We’ve all heard that saying before, and it’s true: the way you present yourself when meeting someone for the first time can either make or break a relationship.

But what about the last impression you make? Just as your first impression is important, so is your last impression. In fact, your last impression might even be more impactful than your first impression. Why? Let’s find out.

First impressions aren’t everything

When you meet someone for the first time, you’re sizing them up and trying to make a good first impression.

But what happens when you meet them for the second time? You’ve already formed an opinion of them, and you’re more likely to focus on their weaknesses than their strengths.

The same is true in business. Your clients will judge you not just on the products or services you offer, but on the first project experience, they have with you. Are you responsive to their needs? Do you go the extra mile? Are you easy to work with?

Why you should focus on your last impression

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You should focus on your last impression because, in the same way that your first impression can make or break a relationship, your last impression can do the same thing.

Think about it: You may have had a great first meeting with someone, but if your last meeting is a disaster, they’re going to remember you for the wrong reasons.

Conversely, you may have had a terrible first meeting with someone, but if your last meeting is good, they’re going to forget about the bad first impression and remember you for the right reasons.

It’s all about balance. You want to make sure that your first and last impressions are both good ones so that people remember you for all the right reasons.

The value of a lasting impression and how to make one

The first impression you make is only half the battle. To make a fantastic lasting impression, you need to focus on the latter half of the equation as well.

Here are a few tips on how to make a lasting impression that will stay after you’ve left the room:

Be considerate. This is something that should go without saying, but it’s all too easy to forget. Always be respectful of those around you, and be sure to thank people for their time (and coffee treat, if applicable).
Be genuine. Nobody wants to deal with a phony, so always be yourself. If you act like someone you’re not, it will show sooner or later—and that’s not a good thing. People respond better to genuine individuals than they do to those who put on airs.
Be a listener. We all know those people who never stop talking—and we can all agree that they’re pretty exhausting. While you can be eager to share quirky facts about yourself, tell stories that capture your audience’s attention, or simply showcase your positive side, learn to listen.

The bottom line is that your last impression is just as important as your first impression—if not more so. So, if you want to make sure you’re leaving a lasting impression, focus on your verbal and nonverbal cues, be genuine, and be yourself.

6 Surefire Ways To Ace A First Impression

Present yourself in the right light with the help of these tips.

#1: BE PUNCTUAL

The fine strokes of impression starts as soon as you walk the room. In Japan, they have mastered the management of time. Most Japanese naturally acquired the habit of punctuality. Showing up early or on time displays their respect for other people. Nothing is more disrespectful than having your interviewer or potential client wait for you for 30 minutes.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you are running late due to unforeseen circumstances, it is best to let the people know. Call the interviewer or the client as soon as possible. He or she will appreciate this gesture more than hearing a lame excuse upon your arrival.

#2: DRESS THE PART

Who does not want to be seen as well put-together during the first meeting?

It goes without saying that the quickest elements of impression formation include the physical appearance. It does not matter whether you are interviewing for a modelling gig or not. You will be judged with thru way you look. Showing up in a neatly pressed suit or a tailored dress comes across as professional and organized.

#3: RELAX THE FACE

When you are nervous or lying, your autonomic nervous system goes into an overdrive. You will unconsciously make significant movements such as scratching your nose, pulling your hair, or touching your cheeks. Some may even chew the pen’s cap during written assessments. These body movements give off a sense of judgment and lack of confidence.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Be mindful about your actions during the interview or the product proposal!

#4: PAY ATTENTION

As obvious as this may seem, shaping a stellar impression includes being present at the given moment. Physical presence does not stop at the face-to-face interactions. You must be mentally active during the conversation too! Ensure that you are coming across as someone who is interested and engaged with the other person.

Start by calling the interviewer or the client using their name during the entire conversation then, you may paraphrase their thoughts from time to time. Listen to what the other person is saying and tailor your responses accordingly.

#5: TOSS THE PHONE

Putting your devices and smartphone away is primarily applicable in this modern age. Do not immediately turn to your phone while waiting in the lobby. Use this time to double-check your CV or to contemplate on the proposal topics.

When the interviewer or the boss comes, you will appear prepared for the task at hand!

#6: BE POSITIVE

A person with a pleasing personality is hard to find. This is why positive people give a lasting impression. It is easy to connect to a person who portrays a friendly attitude through his or her command of words and body language.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

So, greet the interviewer or the potential client with a genuine smile. Then, ensure that the topics that you will discuss are on the neutral ground. Showing a hint of your sense of humor would not hurt too (i.e., during appropriate instances)!

Sources: 1 & 2

Make A Lasting Impression To Land Your Dream Job

The minute that you walk into the door, the pressure is on! You have to make a standout first impression.

Be remembered in the best way possible with these helpful tips:

DRESS THE PART

Whether you are in favor of it or not, we live in a society where we are constantly judged by how we look and how we carry ourselves. This is why it is important to dress for success before entering the interview room.

For women, it is recommended to wear moderate makeup. Women who decorate their faces with makeup seemed to rank higher in trustworthiness and competence according to several studies. Moreover, a study in the American Economic Review found that women who wore makeup made 30% more than their co-workers who did not wear makeup.

For men, appearing to workout regularly makes boosts your appeal. Topping it off with the sleek clothes that you are comfortable with can affect the way that people perceive you.

HAVE A FIRM HANDSHAKE

As a sign of politeness, handshakes are internationally accepted and encouraged. Start the interview with a bang by having a firm handshake that lasts for 2-5 seconds. A firm handshake is in between the incredibly tight and limp handshakes. You want to convey that you are confident and excited.

ARRIVE ON TIME

It is ideal to arrive about 10 minutes in advance for an interview. This allowance will give you enough time to settle in, calm your nerves, and lounge at the reception area. Arriving too early makes you seem excessively eager. On the other hand, arriving late for an interviews makes you seem unreliable and irresponsible. You do not want that!

Commit to the optimum time by visiting the location before the big day. Identify the appropriate travel time and adjust your schedule.

SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE

Many individuals are very much prepared for the different interview questions. They have wonderful ideas and significant points to impart. However, some of these people speak either softly or loudly. These candidates tend to be skipped or overlooked.

Give your interviewer a reason to listen to you by speaking calmly and confidently. Interestingly, studies have shown that people who talk in a deeper voice are taken more seriously.

ACT CURIOUS AND INTERESTED

Acting that you are curious and interested can help you engage the attention of the interviewer. Share your ideas and experiences.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Then, ask stimulating questions to learn more about the organization. Doing so will help you determine whether you must pursue the position or not.

Sources: 1 & 2

How to make a great impression on-screen

Presenting your personality

Crafting your first impression in person

Developing long-lasting relationships

First impressions aren’t everything

Why you should focus on your last impression

The value of a lasting impression and how to make one

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