Make a Great First Impression

You only get one chance to make a first impression, no matter if you’re meeting a stranger on the street or your future boss.

These tips for making a great first impression will apply to anyone you encounter. They’ll leave with a good feeling about you, and maybe even feeling a little better about how their day is going!

Don’t Forget to Smile

It sounds simple, but smiling is a surefire way to put someone in a good mood. If it’s the first time you’re meeting someone, they will associate meeting you with that good feeling.

You might not always feel like smiling when you meet someone new, but try your best to manage even a small one as long as it’s natural. Whatever you do, don’t try to fake a smile — people may see right through it!

Speak Clearly and Confidently

Once someone sees your smiling face, they need to clearly hear you who are. Let the positive energy from your smile translate into clearly and confidently saying your name and any other information that’s relevant depending on the situation.

Some people might not remember your name after your meeting ends, but others may never forget it if you introduce yourself correctly.

Don’t Dominate the Conversation

Meeting someone for the first time is about you getting to know them as much as it’s about them getting to know you. No matter how excited you are to meet someone, resist the urge to overpower the conversation and make it all about you.

Ask questions and make an effort to genuinely get to know them. You would be surprised how often this does not happen, so anything you can do to have a two-way conversation will go a long way toward creating a favorable and memorable first impression.