Creating a Lasting Smile: The Importance of a Positive First Impression

Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

“You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”

You’ve probably heard this saying. But even when we try not to, we do tend to make a judgment about people. This first impression could be all that you remember a person by, which is why first impressions are astoundingly important. The first impression we make with a person plays a vital role in building a successful relationship. Research indicates that it only takes 7 seconds for someone to form an opinion about you. But if you don’t make the best first impression, all is not lost. There are specific things you can do to make a better first impression.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss a few practical tips to help you make a great first impression on others.

1. Dress appropriately

Physical appearance plays a significant role in making a first impression. Dress appropriately for the occasion, research and find out what is appropriate for the occasion or meeting. Choose clothes that fit well and are comfortable. Wear clean clothes that are not wrinkled or stained. Remember to groom yourself well by fixing your hair, trimming your nails, and making sure that your teeth are clean, and breath is fresh.

2. Smile

Because people are typically attracted to others who have a warm and welcoming personality, your smile says a lot about you. Smiles are a nearly universal sign of emotions like friendliness and happiness. This means that even if you don’t speak the same language, a smile can convey that you are happy. A smile conveys confidence, friendliness, and happiness. It can help put others at ease and create a positive environment to build a relationship, which is why it is one of the first expressions we learn as children.

3. Make eye contact

Meeting someone for the first time can be intimidating, but making eye contact is important. It conveys confidence and sincerity. It also shows you are engaging and actively listening to the other person. Eye contact creates attraction, but you should make sure to hold eye contact for an appropriate amount of time. This is not staring but simply meeting the other person’s eyes. Glancing away periodically is acceptable as it shows the other party that you are not trying to dominate the conversation.

4. Show confidence

Confidence is contagious. It causes people to believe what you say. If someone is confident, it is easy to feel that he or she knows what they are talking about. However, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and arrogance is unbecoming. By speaking clearly, maintaining good posture, and making direct eye contact, you can show that you know what you are talking about. Subtle things can make a difference, so make sure to look people in the eye and smile instead of frown. These things can help you seem confident in your interactions.

5. Be aware of your body language

Your body language can communicate more about you than your actual spoken words in first impressions. As much as 55% of communication is body language. Though it may not be intentional, a simple gesture like crossing your arms can show defensiveness or a lack of openness. To make the best first impression, stand tall (hunched posture can make you look unsure of yourself), make use of open gestures such as keeping your hands apart on the arms of the chair or at your sides, smile, and use touch to your advantage when appropriate.

6. Be punctual

Arriving on time is a sign of respect, and it’s always the right thing to do. It shows the other person that you value their time. Running late by only a few minutes can make it seem like you are placing yourself ahead of the person you are to meet. Of course, there will be instances in which you truly cannot avoid being late. In those circumstances, be sure to let the other person know, and apologize for any inconvenience it may cause. Still, make sure that if you are running late, it does not become a habit. It is a good idea to plan to arrive at your destination 15 minutes early so that you can collect your thoughts and maintain your confidence instead of coming in scattered and unorganized. Most importantly, do not come in late with a cup of hot coffee in your hand.

7. Follow-up

Finally, a follow-up after an initial meeting is essential. Though the saying “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” is valid, a follow-up message – thank you card, email, or message – could allow someone to reassess their first impression of you if it was not terribly positive. If the impression was positive, then this contact could solidify positive feelings about the interaction.

Though a first impression can be created in a few moments, that impact can last a lifetime. However, the skill of creating lasting positive first impressions can be learned and honed with practice. Begin using these skills in low-stakes environments and pretty soon they will come naturally.

Having a healthy smile can be a confidence booster. To get started making great first impressions, contact Hamilton Dental Care by calling (570) 316- 0887 today if you are in the Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, Pennsylvania areas.