Making a good first impression [Download Resource]

ByJames

With every first encounter, a person will form an opinion of you based on your appearance and body language.  This is their first impression of you.  Most times, people have formed an opinion of you, positive or negative, within three seconds!   Here are some ways you can make a better first impression. [Textbook Excerpt UNIT…

With every first encounter, a person will form an opinion of you based on your appearance and body language.  This is their first impression of you.  Most times, people have formed an opinion of you, positive or negative, within three seconds!   Here are some ways you can make a better first impression. [Textbook Excerpt UNIT 6.1 p96]

  • Have a positive attitude
  • Be aware of your posture (body language… stand tall!)
  • Make eye contact
  • Smile
  • Shake hands if appropriate
  • Be engaged with the other person (lean in slightly)

So, how good is your “first impression”?

We have created a mini self assessment you can use for yourself or in class to check your strengths and weaknesses.  This form (along with others) is also available for download for instructors in their “resources” section.

Download Self Assessment

 

Aspect What’s Good? What could be improved?
The Way You look?

e.g. professionally dressed, clean uniform, well groomed…

    
Your Workstation / Work Area?

e.g. tidiness, clean area, organized paperwork, clean floors, equipment in working order…

    
Face-to-Face Contact?

e.g. smiling, eye contact, build rapport with people, friendly, enthusiastic, cooperative, open…

    
Telephone Contact?

e.g. warm burst of enthusiasm at beginning, helpful manner, friendly, varied tone, proper rate of speech, clear pronunciation, professional…

    
Email Contact?

e.g. getting to the point right away, clear professional statements, using bullets for multiple points…

    

What do you do to make a great first impression?  What else may affect a first impression?  Let us know in the comments!