The first impression determines how people perceived our characters to be like subconsciously. 

There is a phrase stating, “first impressions are the last impressions”, which clearly reinforce how important it is to have a good first impression because first impressions are made before we say anything in 10 seconds from the initial contact.

We will never get a second chance to create a good first impression. Thus, it will be helpful if we are prepared for it anytime when we meet new people so that we are always ready for it in our best form. 

1. Image and Physical Appearance

Our image and physical appearance top the list for the first impression. The first thing people look at you overall will be your outward appearance- face, hair, skin, clothes, etc. The style that you project outwards when you first meet a new friend is likely to stick in their mind for a while. 

We are unable to control our physical features, nevertheless, we can control how we dress, our hairstyle, and grooming. Keep in mind that accessories such as rings, earrings, tie, and watch that you wear will showcase your personal characteristics in a certain way. 

Therefore, clean your wardrobe today. Make sure your clothes are clean, tidy, and decent. Dress appropriately according to the occasions. Apply some soft makeup to look better. Cut your long fingernails or sloppy hairstyle as it can look unhygienic and indecent.

Other tips to improve physical appearance will be exercise regularly to be in a better fitness state. 

This is another indirect way to show that you are a sporty and energetic person. Besides, exercise helps to increase confidence and improve physical appearance with the toned muscles gained during the workout. 

In addition, a warm and genuine smile makes people feel good about you too. So don’t forget to smile today!

2. Be Considerate and Make Others Feel Comfortable

Etiquette and manners speak volumes. Do not talk with an extremely loud voice in public as it will disturb others around you while you are trying to win the heart of the new friend. 

Besides, making fun of others is not cool when you are meeting a new friend for the first time. Be empathetic and considerate to make them feel comfortable for hanging around with you. If they made a statement in the conversations that you disagree, respect their opinion, and try to talk decently. 

We do not want to fight with a person that you have just met a while ago. The way you handle the first conversations with them indirectly reveals your wisdom in handling social relationships. 

3. Be Confident

Do you ever come across a person who is exceptionally shy, speak in a soft voice, and do not look into your eyes as they speak? What are your impressions on them?

 Thus, being confident is a must to leave a good first impression. Try to relax and be natural. Body languages speak louder than words. Look into their eyes as you speak. Eye contact conveys that you are confident and interested in the conversations. 

Do not behave over-friendly or speak continuously without letting people join in. Confidence is expressed when you speak what is in your mind in a decent way and are willing to listen to others in sharing their thoughts with you.

4. Avoid Looking At Phones

How will you feel if the person you have just met keeps checking his or her phones 3 times in a minute? 

It is a manner to give your full focus and undivided attention to the person you have just met. Checking phones consistently makes others feel neglected and there goes the first impression. It is also a form of respect for both sides. 

5. Be Yourself

We should not try too hard to make a good first impression that we lose our own identity and personal statement. 

Be polite but do not need to change our personality. People want to know the genuine you. Being authentic builds the foundation of trust, respect, and integrity people have towards you. 

For example, if you are not into a fashion brand, do not try to fake it that you love it, thinking that it will impress others. Your authentic self is much more mesmerizing and impressive when you stop trying hard to impress people.

When we meet new people, we will tend to look for similar qualities between ourselves and others and if we managed to find the similarity, we will feel like they are connected to us, and hence, good impressions are formed immediately. 

Of course, people do appreciate good traits when meeting new acquaintances such as warm, kind, honest, and attractive people, which can be the determining factor for us to decide whether to continue the conversations and further develop deeper relationships with them. 

Therefore, keep in mind that a good impression is an extra bonus for us while a bad impression leaves a scar in the mindset of others that will be hard to erase.

Cover Photo: misschailing