How Well Do You Come Across In Seven Seconds?
Getting people to trust and like you is a skill that comes easily to some and needs a little more practice for others.
Most people are aware that first impressions are important – but what is less well-known is that you usually have only between two and seven seconds before the person you’re meeting has formed an impression about you. Everything from body language, to personal appearance and the strength of your handshake will be factors in helping someone make up their mind about you. Essentially, humans still operate based on their hunter-gatherer instincts, which stem from a time when making a quick decision as to whether someone was friend or foe was key to survival. Nowadays, first impressions are crucial in attracting romance, convincing employers to hire you or in expanding your social circle.
Introductions
If you have a meeting set up with someone for the first time, then make sure you’re not late for it. Tardiness signals to the other person that you don’t mind wasting their time – to turn up several minutes after you had agreed to do so is impolite and sets a negative tone before you’ve even arrived. Be sure to get there either on time or slightly beforehand and deliver a moderately firm handshake with plenty of eye contact when you’re greeting the person. Eye contact shows people that you’re completely focused on them and are happy to be there.
Personal Appearance
Before you’ve even begun to speak, the person you’re introducing yourself to will form an early judgment on what they think about you based on your personal appearance. That may not seem fair, but such decisions are seemingly accurate. A joint study conducted by Sonoma State University and the University of Texas at Austin concluded that observers of 123 subjects were able to make accurate judgments about their character, after seeing photographs of them. This research into personalities had the subjects self-rate themselves for qualities such as confidence, emotional stability, religious and political beliefs, and the observers accurately rated nine out of ten personality traits correctly.
A Friendly Smile
Of course, if you’re lacking in qualities such as confidence or being outgoing, then it’s possible to improve these aspects of your character by working on your looks and mannerisms, which will have a positive knock-on effect to your personality. For example, having a friendly smile can open lots of doors socially, as those around will want to connect with you if you’re giving the impression that you have a positive, sunny disposition. But if you’re unhappy with the condition of your teeth, then you might try to hide them and not smile as often as you’d like. Take measures to feel more confident by looking into dental treatments such as teeth whitening or veneers to correct any imperfections.
Have Something Interesting To Say
It might seem like the last piece of the puzzle, but your conversational skills will help to affirm any positive thoughts that a person has towards you. Make sure that you speak clearly and at a steady rate, allowing plenty of room for the other person to reply and ensuring that you’re listening instead of just thinking about what you’re going to be saying next.
So, the next time you need to come across well, try these tips to make the most of those crucial seven seconds.