We have all heard this warning: ‘You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.’ In fact, psychologists caution that we only have from seven to seventeen seconds of interacting with strangers before they form an opinion of us.
With this widely acknowledged pressure to ‘make our case’ instantly, here are seven tips for making your first impression strongly positive.
#1: Make the Other Person the Center of Attention
The greatest way to make a positive first impression is to demonstrate immediately that the other person—not you—is the center of action and conversation. Illustrate that the spotlight is on you only, and you’ll miss opportunities for friendships, jobs, love relationships, networking, and sales. Show that you are other-centered, and first-time acquaintances will be eager to see you again.
Recently I attended a conference. At lunch, my wife and I sat with several people we didn’t know. While most of our tablemates made good impressions, one man emerged as the person we’d be sure to avoid all weekend. He talked about himself non-stop. Only rarely did anyone else get a chance to speak. Unfortunately, he probably thought he was captivating us with his life story.
I applaud this definition of a bore: ‘Somebody who talks about himself so much that you don’t get to talk about yourself."
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Author's Bio
Bill Lampton, Ph.D., works with organizations that want to
experience CPR - Cooperation... Productivity. . .Renewal of Mission! Find out how Bill's programs on communication can help all aspects of your business - sales, customer service, productivity....the bottom line.
With this widely acknowledged pressure to ‘make our case’ instantly, here are seven tips for making your first impression strongly positive.
#1: Make the Other Person the Center of Attention
The greatest way to make a positive first impression is to demonstrate immediately that the other person—not you—is the center of action and conversation. Illustrate that the spotlight is on you only, and you’ll miss opportunities for friendships, jobs, love relationships, networking, and sales. Show that you are other-centered, and first-time acquaintances will be eager to see you again.
Recently I attended a conference. At lunch, my wife and I sat with several people we didn’t know. While most of our tablemates made good impressions, one man emerged as the person we’d be sure to avoid all weekend. He talked about himself non-stop. Only rarely did anyone else get a chance to speak. Unfortunately, he probably thought he was captivating us with his life story.
I applaud this definition of a bore: ‘Somebody who talks about himself so much that you don’t get to talk about yourself."
<link outdated-removed>
Author's Bio
Bill Lampton, Ph.D., works with organizations that want to
experience CPR - Cooperation... Productivity. . .Renewal of Mission! Find out how Bill's programs on communication can help all aspects of your business - sales, customer service, productivity....the bottom line.