First impressions are important when beginning any kind of new relationship. Making the first impression (good or bad) doesn’t take long at all. It takes between 7-30 seconds to make a first impression. If you don’t have the right body language it could set the stage for the making of a horrible first impression.
To
make a positive first impression, use your body language to your advantage. A
first impression depends a great deal on your non- verbal signals. Body language is like a stethoscope: it is
very useful to identify what is wrong, but it doesn’t heal you.
If
you would like to make a better first impression from today, the best way to
start is to discover what emotions you feel when you first meet somebody. Here
are ways you can silently amaze people without them even realizing it. Do it all
with the power of your body language. Remember,
the acronym SNEAK (Smile, Neat,
Eye Contact, Arms Open, and Kindness):
“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said.” (Peter Drucker)
Smile: When
you smile, you beam. It is contagious, and others want to smile with you. By
smiling, you seem more approachable to others, and they are more likely to want
to interact with you. Smile at your work colleagues, your neighbors, and people
you encounter on errands. You want others to know you are friendly, and desire
to meet people. A smile opens the door to conversations.
Neat: Dress
neatly regardless of whether your style is artsy, preppy, or eclectic. Make the
effort to look nice even if you are running to the grocery. You never know when
you will bump into someone you may want to befriend. Avoid clothing that tells
others that you want to be left alone such as offensive T-shirts, chains, or
ripped clothing. Even if that style is in vogue, others may feel intimated
by your appearance. People make judgment calls based on appearance since it’s
the first information that is available to them. Leave them with a positive
first impression of you.
Eye contact: Your beautiful
eyes will get people’s attention. To make a good first impression,
concentrate on making eye contact with others. This shows that you
care, are interested, and listening. When you smile at someone, he will know
the smile is meant for him if you
make eye contact as well.
Make an effort to notice the eye color of the people
you meet as a way to practice making eye contact. If prolonged eye contact
makes you feel uncomfortable, look at the other person’s nose or mouth and then
return to making eye contact.
Arms Open: Your body language gives signals to
others about whether you are approachable or not. For example, when you cross
your arms, you assume a defensive posture. This tells others you are not
interested in talking. It doesn’t matter that you are cold and simply trying to
stay warm. The signal sent is a negative one.
So, uncross your arms and face
your heart to the other person’s heart. If you are standing, keep your feet
shoulder-width apart and your hands on your hips or by your side. If you are
sitting, keep your legs uncrossed. Using these open postures sends signals to
others that you are approachable and are open to meeting new friends.
Kindness: It’s hard to be mean or rude when
you are smiling, making eye contact, and with your arms open. Make every effort
to be kind and friendly. Hold doors open for strangers. Be conscious of your
manners. Be enthusiastic and relaxed while acting interested in others. Keep
any negative thoughts to yourself for now.
“Body language
is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and
apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation
is read through
the body, not the words.” (Deborah Bull)[i]
[i] Sources used:
· “5 Ways to Make a Good First Impression” by Ali Wenzke
·
“The First
Impression Is Made through Body Language” by Patryk Wezowski
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