First impressions still matter!

“Your First Impression Matters” this quote is old but golden; it is still valid in the 21st century. Naturally, something pops in your mind when you come in contact with someone or something for the first time, it is called first impression.

First impressions have always been known to be serious pointers to how a person or thing is perceived and treated. First impressions are vital to every human, they have the capability of making or destroy an opportunity. It’s in human’s nature to make judgments about others when they first encounter them. Either physical or on the online space we all have impression of each other and, it can take less than 20seconds for someone to formulate an opinion about you; most of the time these opinions are difficult to erase! ... For this reason and more, it is important to make a good first impression.

Here are four amazing tips on how to make a good first impression:

• Speak less, listen more: Whether you are a talkative or not, kindly talk less whenever you encounter someone or something for the first time. I know this may sound basic but a lot of people allow themselves talk too much when they meet others for the first time. To them they may be trying to sell themselves to the other individual but there’s nothing more repulsive than that. In reality it’s like shoving food down a baby’s throat – feeding is ruined. Nobody wants to hear all your childhood stories on the first meeting. Kindly speak less! Also, when you are talking, you don’t listen. Listening gives you the opportunity to take your own impression of the other people and respond appropriately.
• Be Confident: Even though it is wrong to completely dominate a first conversation, it is crucial to stamp your presence. You should never keep quiet throughout a first meeting else your opinion would matter less and less. Be confident of yourself and what you are saying. Listening and speaking well will send the best message to the other party. This way you’d leave a good mark on them. Don’t keep looking at the ground or pressing your phone. If possible maintain eye contact and be bold
• Be Yourself: Always be yourself; no one else will be you if not you! Most people pick up an accent, or gesture they do not have on first meeting simply because they want the other individual to have a certain impression of them. So even go to the extent of dressing differently on first meetings. Your everyday life should be your first impression. This is because if you pretend being someone or something you’re not, you’d surely get embarrassed when your real personality shows up. Besides it is easier to be yourself. Being yourself helps the other party get a true picture of who you are which is vital for relationships. Also, it is difficult to be confident when you are not yourself!
• Be Generous: Always make sure that you give to people especially when meeting them for the first time. It means a lot! You don’t have to spend so much money to generous, for instance, you can be generous with your time by allowing the person finish talking before you respond or take your leave. You can also offer directions when they need them or help with extra luggage. As Steve Maraboli said, “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal”. Be kind you never can tell how badly someone needs it.

Lastly, no matter how much you try to be who you are not, your true self will always find a way and show up. So need to stress yourself being who you are not, so far you are human not robot you cannot switch gears every now and then. Let everyone have a true impression of who really you are.

Hey there. I am so glad you read this to the end and got massive value like always.

This article was originally written by brother Amos Gideon Buba (of blessed memories) but this version here is my modified version! He was an advocate for creativity! All my September posts are dedicated to him!