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You may have heard the saying "don't judge a book by its cover". It means one shouldn't judge someone based on their appearance alone.
Just like you should read a book to know its literary value, you should understand a person before forming an opinion.
However, it doesn't happen this way in life.
Think about it: how long do you take to form an opinion about someone you meet for the first time?
Studies show it usually takes a glance and no more than three seconds.
A person's appearance, clothes, body language, manners, and the way they talk all contribute to first impressions.
First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions
They say the first impression is the last impression Most of us form initial opinions about people fairly quickly.
In subsequent meetings, your first impression will only get cemented. Most people don't change their opinions easily. Thus it is very difficult to completely change a person’s initial perception about you.
Imagine you have to make a presentation to a client for a high-value project. Your competitor is also going to make a presentation or the same project.
You have spent the week creating a great presentation. You are confident that your rates are lower than your rival's. All you need to bag the contract is to make the presentation.
It isn't that simple. You have to ensure that you make a great first impression, too. Your appearance is a key element of making a good first impression. Similarly, your confidence will be visible to the client even before you have begun presenting your proposal. If you look nervous, fumble your opening lines, and fidget while speaking, it will make a bad impression.
Making a good first impression helps in many situations from acting an interview to bagging a lucrative contract.
First impressions are lasting impressions. If you hit that first note perfectly then you will have plenty of time to consolidate your position. On the other hand, if the first impression you make is a poor one, you are unlikely to get another shot. This is the reason why first impressions are important. Let’s talk about some examples of the first impression to understand the concept better.
These include meeting a potential client for the first time, giving an interview to an admissions committee at a college or university, making a presentation to an audience, or a debut stage performance.
First impressions are not just important in the workplace. There will be many instances in your life where it will be important to make a great first impression.
Although we are all aware of the importance of first impressions, we may not know the details that can make or break our first impressions.
We buy a product based on how it is advertised or placed in the store, often not even looking at a poorly packaged product lying on a lower shelf, even when it might be a better quality product.
That’s the kind of impact first impressions have. Read on to find out what you need to do to make a good first impression.
How To Make A Good First Impression?
Clumsiness in a client meeting, failing to communicate properly during a presentation, or appearing unkempt during a job interview are some things that can create a negative impression.
Confidence is the key to making good first impressions. If you are sure of yourself, it will reflect in your body language and verbal communication. Confident people tend to have good posture. They make eye contact and have a relaxed and friendly demeanor when meeting new people.
Let’s look at some of the things we can do to ensure that our first impression is the best impression on others:
- Dressing up properly for the occasion is a must. Properly ironed and spotless clothes accompanied by the right accessories and well-polished shoes give you confidence and help you look polished and put together. Whether it is a business meeting or a social get-together, make sure you follow the dress code.
- Personal grooming is a must. Clean, cut nails, well-combed hair, and a freshly washed face go a long way. You don't have to spend large amounts on services at salons or get expensive treatments. Just make sure you're well-groomed.
- Communication is a key aspect of creating great first impressions. It is not only about how you speak. Your body language, eye contact, tone of voice, and ability to listen to others all make you a great communicator. A warm smile and the ability to give sincere compliments go a long way in endearing others. These are all examples of first impressions that are impactful and memorable.
Conclusion
First impressions are lasting impressions. As a leading name in imparting interpersonal skills, Harappa Education understands why first impressions are important. The Decoding Others course gives learners insights into the art of making great first impressions. The course teaches you how body language, facial expressions, and micro-expressions can be used in a variety of settings. This is an easy to learn online course that will transform your ability to make great first impressions and establish business relationships that are long-lasting.
Explore topics such as Resilience, How to Know Yourself, How to Handle Pressure at Work, Self Awareness, Self Management, and the Meaning of Charisma from our Harappa Diaries blog section and take charge of your growth.
