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5 tips to create a killer first impression
How do you create the right impression even before you take a seat in a room?
Our bodies start communicating way before our words do.
Some of the non-verbal cues your body and face give can make or break a situation for you.
Here are 5 tips to create a right impression even before you take a seat in a room.
1. Enter a room like it is your den
Whether you are entering an interview room, your boss's office or a board room, the first part of your first impression is your entry.
Open the door confidently, don't peek hesitantly and then enter. It is awkward.
Walk straight, don't slouch.
Make eye contact with people in the room and smile.
If you are clumsy or flustered while entering, it shows an inability to adapt quickly to new surroundings.
Don't feel intimidated or nervous if you see more people than expected or if the gender proportion is not in your favour.
If you feel uncomfortable, there are very high chances your body language is transmitting those signals too.
Enter like a lioness enters her den -- composed, confident and feeling at home.
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2. :)
A smile signals that you are genuinely glad to be where you are and see/meet the person.
It gives an amiable touch to your personality.
Being expressionless shows disinterest or that you are preoccupied.
A sad, frowned or nervous face is even worse.
It creates a negative image of you in people's mind that is very difficult to erase.
Your words can't convince somebody that you are a pleasant and friendly person, your smile has to do the job.
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3. Make eye contact, don't stare
Don't shy away from looking directly into people's eyes.
Make eye contact when you greet somebody and maintain a healthy one during conversations.
It shows that you are attentive and interested in the conversation.
Looking away and especially looking down means you are not confident enough about yourself.
Don't look from the corner of the eye. Don't stare or glare too.
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4. Leave an impression with your handshake
Women have weaker palms than men, but that's no excuse for a bad handshake.
It is not a tug of war but a game of technique.
Firstly, remember that it is called a handshake for a reason, and not a 'fingershake'.
Secondly, concentrate on keeping your palm and fingers strong when you shake somebody's hand.
And lastly, you need firm (not jerky) wrist action.
Don't just hold hands or leave yours in full control of the other person.
A firm handshake asserts that you see yourself as an equal. It is a matter of manners too.
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5. Carry minimal things
Only carry what you need in your hands, leave everything else at a safe place.
Having too many things or heavy things in your hands makes you look clumsy and uncomfortable.
They also make you look unprepared.
If your hands are too occupied, you may miss a handshake or run the risk of things falling off your hand.
Both situations are awkward and you must be wary of them.
If you must carry many things, make two rounds and place them at an appropriate place.