How to Make First Impressions Last [A Comprehensive Guide]

Do you know that a single glance at a person’s face or appearance is enough to form a first impression? Do you believe that just taking a look at a person can form an impression of that particular person to you?

Research has shown that it takes between just 33 and 100 milliseconds for someone to form a judgment about your character as a person. This means that in a short amount of time, your character can be accurately judged.

But it is also natural for humans to make assumptions about someone when we first meet them. It is also possible for us to get attached to the first impression we have of an individual, and it is also very hard for us to change our opinion or impression when the first impression has been made.

This is why we must always make sure to leave a very good impression when meeting people for the first time, even when we see that the first impression isn’t really their nature.

Are you not that confident while speaking or meeting new people? Or are you someone who is shy and an introvert who doesn’t know how to mingle with people?

Then this comprehensive guide on how to make first impressions last is for you.

With this article, you would be able to boost your confidence and make you stand out to leave a first lasting impression in a good way.

Table of Content
What is First Impression?
Why does first impression matter?
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make First Impression Last
How to Make First Impression Last FAQs
Final Thoughts on How to Make First Impression Lasts

What is First Impression?

First impression is the first thought that you have about an individual when you see them. It is the instant conclusions that we draw when meeting someone for the first time.

This impression is formed quickly by us based on the person's face, appearance, posture, or the tone of their voice.

Although this impression or the opinion we have about that individual might not be accurate when we meet them, it is always very difficult to change the first impression of an individual.

First impressions are now considered so important that we now use them as a measure for future interactions with that individual or person.

Why does first impression matter?

This matters because this first impression would and can be the way that an individual views you all his/her life.

It also matters because it can affect all the relationships that you might want to have or attain from a person, and if the first impression is bad, then it can create a limit to the kind of relationship you might want to have with the individual.

A good first impression can provide opportunities, attract potential customers, generate referrals through networking, and result in referrals and chances of promotion at the organization.

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make First Impression Last

In order to overcome shyness and boost your confidence when talking or meeting new people, you must follow these detailed guidelines to help you leave a lasting impression.

It can also be used when you want to go for an interview, want to meet a high-profile person, or during networking.

These steps include:

1. Research and Prepare Ahead of Time

Before going for any important event or meeting, preparation is very important. Knowing how to present and what to expect can help you create a meaningful first impression.

When going for networking or an interview, you must research and understand what the industry or people that you are interacting with are doing so that you will be able to be engaging while talking to them.

You must also know what to say and how to present yourself so you don’t look stupid or dumb to them.

While presenting yourself to individuals or people, you must sound confident and give a clear introduction of yourself to set a cool tone for interaction.

So you can rehearse your name, your role or what you do, and a brief introduction about yourself.

You must also be positive in visualizing the meeting or interview. It helps to clear the nerves and increase the level of confidence.

2. Dress appropriately

Appearances are the first thing people notice about an individual, and they speak louder than words.

As the saying goes, you would be addressed the way you are dressed, so appearance goes a long way when you want to make a good first impression.

When dressing for an interview or network event, you must dress comfortably because comfort is the key. So you must wear an outfit that you feel at ease and comfortable in and you must dress based on the setting of the event, if it is casual, professional, or formal.

Making sure your hair is well packed or cut, your personal hygiene, and overall neatness are a bonus to making a very good first impression.

3. Be Punctual

Punctuality at an event or interview shows a sign of respect and reliability to the people that are noticing or observing you.

When you are late to an event or interview, it just tells people that you are disorganized and don’t value their time, and it doesn’t make a good impression. So in order to be punctual, you must plan in advance.

If it’s a physical meeting, you must take into consideration the traffic and time of the meeting to avoid delay, and if it’s virtual, you must ensure that your data connection is working well ahead of time to avoid delays.

You must also arrive at the venue early, probably 30 minutes to an hour before the time, so that you can settle down, calm your nerves, and make a composed entrance to the event or interview.

4. Creating Mindful Body Language

There are nonverbal cues that can be used to communicate with people.

Nonverbal cues like body posture, facial expression, and gestures can be used instead of words. A positive body language makes you look confident and approachable to people.

Standing or sitting straight sends the message that you are confident.

You must also avoid staring but must maintain eye contact throughout the conversation; it means you are listening and you are engaged in what is being said.

Smiling can help to make people feel less tensed and relaxed when talking to you. So remember to give a warm and genuine smile. You must also avoid crossing your arm so as not to appear defensive or closed off.

Always appear and use relaxed and open gestures.

5. Act and greet with confidence

Confidence is the key to making a first impression last longer.

The way you greet people or someone sets the tone of conversation for the rest of the interaction.

A solid handshake in a physical meeting shows and boosts confidence and professionalism while in a virtual meeting; a friendly greeting is enough before the interaction.

You must also make use of the other person's name while interacting after they have introduced themselves. It helps you to remember and shows that you are paying attention.

6. Be a Good Listener

When you listen actively, it shows that you value the person’s thought and opinion, so being a good listener is very important.

You must avoid distractions like pressing your phone or looking around. The speaker must be given your full attention. Giving small gestures like nodding or saying short sentences like’ I see’, or ‘That is interesting’ shows how engaged and how well you are listening.

You can also ask questions about what the speaker is saying to make the conversation flow easily and naturally, and lastly, you must avoid interruption when the speaker or another person is talking.

You must allow the person to finish talking before asking questions or speaking.

7. Communicate clearly and confidently

A confident and clear speech helps others to understand and respect what you are saying because the way you speak leaves an impression on people. You mustn’t speak too fast or too slow.

Maintaining a steady pace would make you sound composed and in control. Do not just talk, but express your thought clearly and stick to points. And make your passion for the topic be in your voice and sound convincing in your conversation.

Avoid saying words like ‘umm’, ‘yeah’, ‘like’, etc.; it makes you sound less confident, unsure, and unprepared to the crowd or person you are speaking to.

8. Be and show genuine interest

People always remember how you make them feel, so when you show interest in whatever they are saying or doing, then it stays with them longer.

Showing understanding and consideration to other people's feelings and perspectives is a bonus for leaving a lasting impression.

Asking questions about their interests and experiences also shows that you value their input, and finding a shared interest or mutual connection helps you to create rapport between or among yourselves.

9. Be positive and confident

Positivity is contagious. Positivity and confidence are traits that people are drawn to, so a positive attitude can make you more memorable and likable.

So avoid speaking or thinking negatively or even complaining; it leaves a bad impression. You must also believe in yourself and show humility, not arrogance.

Confidence and humility are a winning combination.

And you must always be positive about how people would respond in your conversations.

10. Always Follow Up

First impressions don’t end when the conversation is over; following upon the person creates a lasting presence on the impression you have made.

You can send a short and polite email or handwritten note to express your gratitude for the meeting, inputs gained, and the time of the individual.

If possible, you can connect to the person through his/her social media accounts or emails.

This helps to continue the relationships and shows you are serious about maintaining the connection.

How to Make First Impression Last FAQs

What is the ABC of First Impression?

The ABC of first impression understands the importance of cleanliness and clothes; the meaning of body language, smiles, and eye contact; the effect of words, voice, and confidence.

What are the four key attitudes for first impression?

The four key attitudes to making a first impression are compassion, patience, sincerity, and humility. This attitude helps a person to make a first and lasting impression.

Final Thoughts on How to Make First Impression Lasts

First impressions can create a lot of good opportunities and provide advantages both long and short in your personal or professional life. Making a first impression doesn’t require perfection, but it requires thoughtfulness and can help you make and create a lasting connection.

Although first impressions might not always be accurate about a person, we should know that they matter and can help us create connections.

As the old saying goes, ‘you can never get a second chance to make a great first impression.’.