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How to Make a Killing First Impression?
Seven Not-to-Be-Missed Tips
The following tips can be applied in virtually any context, be it a job interview, your first meeting with a client or just having a business lunch with someone you haven’t met in person before. Moreover, they can also be used in private, not only in professional life.
Always keep in mind that you have very little time to make a good first impression. Around four minutes. This is the time in which your partner will form up to 90 percent of their opinion about you. And around 70 percent will be nonverbal.
What can you do?
1. What to do in the Reception Area?
Never sit down although you’ll be invited to do so. Always stand, preferably hand in hand behind your back and slowly rock back and forth on your feet. This body language works as a constant reminder that you are still there, waiting.
2. How to Enter the Office/Room?
Just walk in and do not hesitate. Do not stand or linger at the doorway like a schoolkid, walk in directly, confidently. Put down your briefcase or whatever is in your hand, shake hands and sit down. If you want to demonstrate assertiveness walk briskly, not too fast, with medium-length strides.
3. Smile!
While entering - smile. Your partner does not want to be around grumpy people and neither do you.
4. It’s time to Shake Hands!
Shake the other person’s hand at a 90 degree angle. Never shake across the desk and let your partner decide when to end the handshake. Don’t do the “dead fish” handshake, don’t crush their bones, rather return the pressure you receive.
5. Use their Name.
This is imperative! Use your partner’s name twice if possible during the first fifteen seconds. You’ll build instant rapport. Provided, of course, you have used their name correctly. Say, for instance:
“Pleased to meet you, Mr Harrison!”
“Mr Harrison, pleased to finally meet you!”
“Thank you, Mr Harrison (after you’ve been invited to take a seat)”!
6. Sitting down.
If you’ve been offered a seat directly facing your partner, just turn it away forty-five degrees from the person to avoid the so called reprimand position. If you can’t move the chair, just moving your body will do.
7. How to exit?
Pack calmly, deliberately, shake hands, turn, walk out. When you get to the door turn around slowly and – smile. If the door was open when you entered, close them after you’ve left.
If you’d like to have more information on body language, please, click here or mail me on: office@mojcazirovnik.com.
