PERSONAL SPECIAL.... What do you first notice about anyone?

 What do you first notice about anyone?

Most impressions are made or destroyed in the first 7 seconds of meeting anyone. How can you ensure a good first impression?

What is the first thing you notice about anyone? Remember, the same is probably also the first thing others note about you. 

First impressions are established in the first seven seconds of seeing someone, say experts. People form 90 % of their impression of a person in the first four minutes, most of which is actually clinched in the first seven seconds.

Appearances do matter. The looks we are born with (height, weight, skin colour), but also how we dress and groom ourselves (look clean and well put-together). And, even more, how we project ourselves through our body language. Posture and the way we walk are an important part of body language. When someone strides into a room with confidence, shoulders held back and head held at a confident angle, he/she is bound to attract attention and to portray the image of a successful, confident person everyone would like to interact with and acknowledge. This is the posture and walk of success and celebrity, and brings with it positive energy and magnetic vibes.

On the other hand, someone who slinks in and looks ill at ease makes others uncomfortable too and will probably be ignored and left out of conversations. This person is projecting a loser attitude through his/her discomfort and negativity.

In order to leave a good impression, keep an open body position. Show an interest in people and smile sincerely when you meet someone. Maintaining eye contact is an important indicator of the interest you take in another person. It shows you as an intelligent, trustworthy and alert person. Shifty eyes or refusing to meet another person’s eyes seems insincere and unattractive. When listening to someone, a slight tilt of the head is very effective and shows trust and interest.

Immediate killers of a good impression are a hesitant walk, dragging feet, sitting with a slouch, shifty eyes, a weak handshake or even hanging on to a person’s hand too long (just hold it for 2 seconds!)! Standing too close to a stranger can seem threatening (keep a distance of at least 4 feet). Do not cross your arms or keep your hands in your pockets. Clenched fists indicate hidden anger or fear. Do not point or shake your finger at someone nor hold up your palm … these are aggressive gestures, as are hands on hips.

Constantly checking your phone or playing with your hair, tapping your foot or making other distracting noises is rude social behaviour and indicates discomfort and anxiety.

Body Behaviour expert Allan Pease suggests that we must appeal to the reptilian part of people’s brains – the ancient part we are born with to recognise danger. As such, one must have an open body language. It is important to show your teeth when you smile, says Allan, because this exposes our non-intimidating, vegetarian teeth, like chimps or monkeys. Allan also recommends the eyebrow flash – a gesture that says ‘I see you, I notice you’.

The key then, it seems, is in appearing non-threatening and sincere. Ensuring that you send the right signals through body language can make or break the first impression, which as they say is often the last.

VinitaDawra.Nangia@timesgroup.com

TL23DEC18