Make a Great First Impression at the Fall Meeting in Seven Seconds

Within the first seven seconds of meeting, people will have a solid impression of who you are — and research suggests a tenth of a second is all it takes to start determining traits like trustworthiness. The Marketing & Distribution Convention will be here soon. So, what can you do to make a good first impression with peers or potential customers that you will meet for the first time?

Dress and groom appropriately. This should go without saying, but people will judge you on your looks long before they judge your words or actions. After all, it only takes a fraction of a second to start making snap judgments.

Smiling is shown to be a psychological signal of altruism (among other positive correlations). When you smile at someone, it makes them more likely to trust you, and it makes you more approachable. Flashing a smile in those first 7 seconds of meeting someone may be all it takes to forge a stronger first impression and connection.

Speak slowly and clearly. When you start talking to someone for the first time, don’t worry about conveying lots of information as quickly as possible — while this may seem like a fast way to impress others, it can overwhelm them. Instead, speak slowly and clearly; It will make you seem more articulate and intelligent, and it will give your listener more time to digest what you’re saying. Speaking slowly and deliberately is also a sign of confidence, which is indispensable in making a good first impression.

Be aware of your posture: Keeping good posture, with your shoulders back and your head held high, makes you seem more confident and powerful to other people, strengthening your first impression. It may also increase your own feelings of confidence, giving you more power in your interactions.

Source: Forbes.com