How can I make a good impression?

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There’s a well-told adage that you only get one chance to make a first impression. In personal relationships, we’re taught that people form opinions of us in a few moments, and that we should be ready to show our best always. Here are five suggestions for making a positive first impression.

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1. Have a Positive Outlook

Your outlook reflects your emotions, desires, opinion of yourself, and personality. It is something that others will easily pick up on, and it can greatly affect the way they perceive you,

 

2. Maintain Your Appearance 

Everything about you sends a message, and your appearance is often one of the first things others will notice. Remember that appearance is much more than what you wear; it also includes your posture, personal hygiene, use of jewelry and makeup, environment, and behavior. Being clean and wearing clean clothes is very important.

 

3. Control Your Voice and Listen

The tone and volume of your voice can often say much more about you than the actual words you speak. Be confident in your tone, and maintain a volume appropriate to your environment.

 

4. Smile and Making Eye Contact

Facial expressions are a key element to making a first impression in person. Smiling, for example, is a friendly way to connect with others. Eye contact is important, but it can be difficult for some people. If you can’t make eye contact try to at least look at a point on the other person face.

 

5. Observe and Adapt to Others

Observing and adapting to the way others communicate can increase your success in making a positive first impression. By tactfully reflecting the other person’s eye contact, body language, and tone of voice, you become more relatable and help the other person feel more relaxed.