Acne Information

How To Make A Strong First Impression: Seven Tips That Really Work


We have all heard this warning: You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Also, human behavior specialists caution that we only have from seven to seventeen seconds of interacting with strangers before they form an opinion of us.

With this widely acknowledged pressure to make our case instantly, here are my seven tips for making your first impression strongly positive.

ONE: The greatest way to make a positive first impression is to demonstrate immediately that the other person--not you--is the center of action and conversation.

Illustrate that the spotlight is on you only, and you*ll miss opportunities for friendships, jobs, promotions, love relationships, networking, and sales. Show that you are other-centered, and first-time acquaintances will be eager to see you again.

Recently I attended a conference. At lunch, my wife and I sat with several people we didn*t know. While most of our tablemates made good impressions, one man emerged as the person we*d be sure to avoid all weekend. He talked about himself, non-stop. Only rarely did anyone else get a chance to speak. Unfortunately, he probably thought he was captivating us with his life story.

I applaud this definition of a bore: Somebody who talks about himself so much that you don*t get to talk about yourself.

TWO: You*ll make a superb initial impression when you demonstrate good listening skills. Give positive verbal cues:

Hmmm. . .interesting! Tell me more, please. What did you do next?

Just as actors benefit from prompts, your conversational partner will welcome your assistance in keeping the exchange going.

Nonverbally, you show you*re a skilled listener by maintaining steady eye contact. Remember how you respond to the social gadabout who appears to be looking over your shoulder for the next person he or she wants to corner. Remember, and offer full attention to everyone you meet.

THREE: Use the name of a new acquaintance frequently. Example: Judy, I like that suggestion. Or: Your vacation must have been exciting, Fred. You show that you have paid attention from the start, catching the name during the introduction. Equally as important, you*ll make conversations more personal by including the listener*s name several times.

FOUR: Be careful with humor.

Although a quip or two might serve as an icebreaker, stay away from sarcastic remarks that could backfire. Because you don*t know a stranger*s sensitivities, prolonged joking might establish barriers you can*t overcome, either now or later.

FIVE: Give up the need to be right.

This was Dr. Wayne Dyer*s advice in his wonderful book, Real Magic. Confrontations with somebody you*ve just met will destroy rapport before you even start building it. Wait until you have established credibility before you challenge another*s statements.

SIX: Appearance counts.

Several years ago, a professional colleague offered to meet me for lunch. I decided against wearing a suit, opting for a sport coat and tie. When he showed up in shorts and sandals, the message he conveyed was: Bill, meeting you is a rather ordinary experience, and doesn*t call for me to present a business-like appearance. Not surprisingly, that was the last time I met with him.

True, standards for appropriate attire have changed drastically. Maybe the best advice I can share came from a participant in a communication seminar I conducted. She said: I don*t dress for the job I have now, I dress for the job I want to have.

SEVEN: Speak clearly, confidently, and convincingly.

As a communication specialist, I have to point out that an individual*s speaking style impacts the first impression, maybe more than we wish. Listeners judge our intelligence, our cultural level, our education, even our leadership ability by the words we select--and by how we say them.

Think of Professor Henry Higgins of My Fair Lady, who changed a so-called guttersnipe into a lady, by teaching her to speak skillfully. While none of us occupies the lowly level of Eliza Doolittle, we can keep her example in mind. Rather than mumble, speak so you*re easily heard. Enunciate clearly. Alter your pitch, to avoid the dullness of a monotone. Display animation in both voice and facial expression. Gesture naturally, without canning your movements.

Keep these seven tips in mind. They will reduce your fear of business and social encounters with unfamiliar faces. More positively, you*ll start enjoying poise and success that you thought were beyond your reach.

About The Author

Bill Lampton, Ph.D., wrote The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life! As a business consultant, speaker and coach, he helps organizations improve their communication, motivation, customer service and sales.

His Web site: http://www.ChampionshipCommunication.com

E-mail: mailto:drbill@ChampionshipCommunication.com








MORE RESOURCES:

Escalate firepower to win the acne war
SouthCoastToday.com, MA - 6 hours ago
Fighting acne involves conducting warfare on many fronts. One front is the overproduction of male hormone that occurs in puberty and at other stages of life ...


Acne: Prestige Beauty's New Bull's-Eye Posted Sep 5, 2008
Women's Wear Daily - 7 hours ago
by Molly Prior Prestige beauty firms are raising an issue with raised red bumps — notoriously referred to as acne — and increasingly are adding ...


Best Syndication

Acne - The Aftermath of Acne Breakouts
Best Syndication, CA - 19 hours ago
If you suffered from acne, you would know that severe acne like cystic lesions could create scarring, redness and pigmentation. If the acne was not treated ...


Steroid abuse acne scars are a real eyesore
Irish Medical Times, Ireland - Sep 3, 2008
The BBC reported that while mild doses can cause slight acne, this man used such severe doses the rash over his back and chest ulcerated. ...


Condom Lubricant Used as Acne Cure in Cambodia
FOXNews - Aug 29, 2008
A condom lubricant produced by a health organization to protect sex workers and gay men is being hailed as an acne cure by some in Cambodia, ...


Best Syndication

Acne Does Not Choose - Be it a Man or a Woman
Best Syndication, CA - Sep 1, 2008
You see television programs about acne, you read articles about acne, and the internet is loaded with information about acne. Despite all these knowledge, ...


Michala Banas Joins Celebrity Cast Supporting Acne Treatment ...
Free press releases (press release), UK - Sep 1, 2008
McLeod’s Daughters actress Michala Banas becomes new face of acne management treatment, Proactiv Solution. Popular Australian celebrity Michala Banas has ...


Personal Effects: Just for men: More products for your skin
Sacramento Bee,  USA - 4 hours ago
about sun protection and even dealing with adult male acne. In fact, Clinique will expand its Skin Supplies line next month with an acne solutions gel ...


Acnecentre.com Launched With A New Key For Acne Fetters
PR Web (press release), WA - Sep 1, 2008
Acnecentre -- A new acne and skin care advice portal now works on the latest medical ideas to help teens and adults from acne hazards. ...


China Daily

Condom lubricant an acne cure for women
China Daily, China - Aug 29, 2008
PHNOM PENH - A condom lubricant designed for sex workers and gay men has become a popular acne cure among female Cambodians, women in the capital and local ...

Acne - Google News

Home | Site Map  Copy Right 2006 Mahavir.com
NISL | Herbal Acne Solutions | Promotion Factory | Web Design | Online University Degree | College & University | GtpInfo | VPayU