I usually make good first impressions. Just recently, I was introduced to my boyfriend’s family and let me tell you it was a complete fail. I hardly spoke, I was sweaty, I was uncomfortable to even go to the bathroom. Trust me, I really had to pee. But the point is, I completely bombed. Even to the point where they didn’t even remember my name. Can I blame them? Well, I did, but I shouldn’t have. I needed my own advice on how to make a good first impression.
Usually, I can meet parents and have them fall in love with me the minute I smile, but this was different. I really like my boyfriend and I wanted them to like me, so this pressure made it worse. Thus, the reason why I froze up.
# Just breathe
I know you’re freaking out inside. Trust me, I did the same. But freaking out and having an anxiety attack doesn’t win brownie points with your first introduction.
Instead, before walking into a room, take a deep breath, give your arms a little shake, and walk into the room with your head high. Your first impression isn’t really as bad as you think it is.
# Don’t focus on yourselfI know this is usually the first thing we do when placed in a social setting. We automatically think about what we can do to make ourselves more comfortable, but that’s wrong. Instead, think about how you make the other people in the room feel comfortable.
By shifting the attitude you have, you remove the anxious thoughts focused on yourself. In addition, people relax because you relax.
# Most of us are shyAt the end of the day, most people are shy when meeting new people. So, don’t worry, you’re actually not the only one who feels this way. According to research on shyness in 2007, 58% of people identified themselves as shy. The odds of meeting someone also shy is highly likely.
# Let out a smileFirst of all, smiling helps you alleviate stress and anxiety, so for that reason alone, give it a try. But secondly, smiling shows people a person is trustworthy. Within the first 34 milliseconds of looking at someone’s face, people determine if you’re trustworthy.
# Be on timeI know this seems silly but people pay attention to these things. Regardless of who you meet, show up on time. It shows respect and makes a good impression without doing anything.
# Small talk mattersIf you meet new people for the first time, you’re probably not going to dish out your most personal information to them. This is where small talk plays an important and crucial role in connecting with others. Find out more about this person, ask them questions and see what you have in common. This keeps the conversation flowing.
# Give yourself a heads upBefore you go somewhere new, get enough information about the surroundings. If possible, find out who’s going to be there, the dress code, and any special rules such as bringing a gift, etc. This eases your anxiety as you can prepare yourself ahead of time. You won’t feel like anything is spontaneous as you’ll already know how things will work.
# Have an introduction preparedNo, this doesn’t mean you write it down on a cue card nor does this mean you need a paragraph memorized. A simple sentence that introduces who you are in a short and sweet manner is perfect. For example, “Hi, I’m Natasha, I’m Erik’s friend. Nice to meet you.” Bam. From there, they introduce themselves and the conversation starts.
# Wear something that makes you feel greatIf you feel confident in how you look, you come across as more approachable to others. In these moments, you want to feel confident about yourself. So, wear something that makes you feel comfortable because it shows when being introduced to new people.