Impression

What we learn only through the ears makes less impression upon our minds than what is presented to the trustworthy eye.

- Horace -

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I had an important meeting today, it was the first time the other person and I had met face to face. We've had a little communication so were not total strangers, however I knew the individual would form an opinion of me very quickly and if initially favourable I'd have a better chance of building upon it moving forward than if it was not favourable.

Humans form an opinion of others in under ten seconds of meeting and often it happens much quicker; that's not a lot of time to work with and considering the first impression is likely to have far-reaching implications, and can be lasting, it makes a lot of sense to do one's best to create a good first impression.

For me, the key to making a good first impression begins long before the door opens and the greeting is made and I believe the effort put into planning for the meeting ahead of time makes a huge difference.

In a professional setting, a good first impression often means the meeting will be more effective, that those involved are more open to listening and actively participating in the conversations and dialogues and one's message is easier to deliver to the more engaged and interested attendees; a bad first impression closes opportunities and a good one opens them.

In a personal or social setting it's the same, people are more engaged if the first impression is favourable and if that happens things can move a little more seamlessly.

Presentation is important, being well-groomed personally and ensuring one's clothing is in order. The clothing should be lint-free, ironed, and the outfit must coordinate, shoes must be polished and most importantly, one must be clothed and presented appropriately for the meeting, over-dressed or under-dressed is a fast-track to a bad first impression; this goes for professional and social meetings. In under ten seconds people weigh and measure others and having one's personal appearance in order is critical.

Being on time is the next stage and that may mean checking out the situation ahead of time to ensure car parking is available, you know the location, building, floor-level and so on, and that there's no obstacles which may unexpectedly delay arrival. Being late is a bad move and there's no excuse; just leave earlier. Again, this goes for social meetings, especially first dates!

Once at the meeting-place eye contact and a decent handshake (for professional and often social meetings) at the initial greeting stage is the next important factor. Limp handshakes are a turn-off, handshakes that crush other people's hands are too; firm and confident is the way to go, and look the person in the eye, smile (genuinely) and give the appropriate greeting, "hello, nice to meet you, I hope you're well," is a good phrase, but it must be situation specific of course.

By this point the first impression has been made and, if the correct form has been maintained, it'll be a good one and the rest of the meeting will roll out from there; a good first impression will not always ensure a successful meeting, but it'll give one the best chance to create it.

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I did all of that today; arrived ahead of time to ensure I'd not be late and prior to walking in made sure I was looking good, sunglasses were left in the car (not on my face) my phone was on silent and I'd said a few things to myself; positive self-talk is a very powerful tool folks. Happily, the meeting went well and there'll be a follow up meeting next week to progress the situation a little farther down the track which is agreeable. I left a good first impression in my opinion and the person I met did the same in return; it's an auspicious beginning and now the real work can ensue.

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What have your experiences been with first impressions of others or those which have been formed about you?

Feel free to talk about professional (business and workplace) situations or social. Have you found that a first impression you formed was incorrect and had to change or have your instincts proved right? Has someone formed an opinion of you incorrectly? How have you dealt with that? Do you have any secrets that help you form a great first impression? Feel free to leave your comments below if you are inclined to engage with me, I always answer.