Making Your First Impression

Picture yourself at a social gathering: a wedding, group interview, night down the pub. A stranger enters the room. Within few seconds, you'll have made a whole range of crucial judgments about this person. And you will be amazed to know that a research says, if we make bad impression on the first time we meet someone, we have to make 21 good impressions to make our record in good standing.

Making a good impression in public is a combination of lot of things. In other words, lots of things together make your first impression. Let us analyze them one by one

The very first impression that a person carries about you is from your appearance. Lets face it! Whether you like it or not that is the fact. Your appearance carries a non verbal message about what kind of person you are. The way a person dresses gives an indication of the person's wealth, social standing, vanity, cleanliness and taste. First impressions influence the attitudes of others towards you. So dress appropriately for the occasion.

Another important thing that makes your first impression in public is the way you act. A person acts is probably the most important determining factor in the impression he makes. A person may give the impression of being self-assured, confident, important, or knowledgeable. Or the person can appear nervous, unsure and not having much to offer.
Research has shown that most people pay more attention to, and believe more readily, their impression of how a person acts through body language than what is said through words.

Another important factor that governs your impression in public is your body language. (The way you walk, the way you sit, and the way you carry yourself) To make a good impression in public, carry your body up. Hold your head as if you had a crown on it. Sit with your back straight. Use your hands to emphasize points but don't indulge in too much hand waving. People can over time, develop irritating habits.

One more aspect of your personality that makes your first impression is your voice and the way you speak to others. Speak just a bit slower to allow yourself to select your most appropriate vocabulary and to give the impression of thoughtfulness. Remember! How you say it is as important as what you say. Make a special effort to pronounce the final sound in a word and use its energy to carry over to the following word. This makes you clearer and leaves an impression of you being more articulate. Speak more softly when you are alone and close. Speak louder when you are speaking to larger groups or across larger spaces.

Ten seconds. Not long, is it? Just about enough time to pour a glass of water, tie your shoelace, add sugar and stir your tea. But enough time for us to create that make or break first impression. Take care of it.

About The Author-- John Khu is an experience entrepreneur and internet marketer. He specializes in communication development and personal happiness. http://www.communicationessence.com

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