How to Leave a Lasting Impression

When you are first introduced to someone that you've never met, you will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, whether it is a personal or a business connection. Making a good impression is important if you would like to have a future association with this person. There is a saying that says 'first impressions are lasting impressions' and that is completely true.

Read on for some steps that you should take to help you leave a lasting impression.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look your best, because whether you like it or not, people are pretty shallow when it comes to appearances. When your goal is to leave a lasting impression, dress appropriately for the type of function or gathering. Make sure you look clean, unwrinkled and well-groomed, whether your apparel is casual or professional. Limit the amount of make-up and perfume or cologne, also.

2. Show your confidence from the minute you walk in, to the time that you leave. Your self assurance will leave a lasting impression, however, there is a difference between being sure of yourself and being downright cocky or arrogant. Humility and modesty should be shown while remaining confident. Furthermore, try to be as courteous and respectful as possible.

3. Leave early to get there. Road detours, accidents and car trouble can make you late for your appointment, so make allowances for such delays. One of the worst things when meeting someone, business or personal, is being late. Ideally, unless you want to leave a lasting impression of being the late and unreliable, leave early and get there promptly.

4. Listen attentively to the other person while keeping eye contact. These two things go hand in hand, because when you are maintaining eye contact it shows that you are focused on what they are saying. Proper etiquette of being a good listener requires listening and not talking, so don't interrupt while they are speaking. While it's perfectly fine to nod and say that you understand, wait until they are done before you state your ideas.

5. Pay attention to your body language. You will portray confidence in your body language by sitting up straight in your chair. Subtle movements, such as fidgeting with jewelry or hair twirling, are distracting and give the impression that you aren't comfortable. Other body language to avoid would be crossing your legs, crossing your arms and slouching in your chair.

6. Make the conversation more personal by using their name frequently. This makes them feel important enough for you to have remembered their name and also lets them know that you have been paying attention. Using their name will allow you to memorize their name in case you run into them again. This will definitely leave a lasting impression when you call them by name in a future encounter.

7. Hand over the spotlight. People will have a lasting impression of you in a possible negative way if you are constantly talking about yourself. Let the other person's views be a bigger part of the conversation than your own. That is not to say that you shouldn't express your opinions, just don't get carried away with talking about yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Make them want to know more about you when you are gone. If you can truly leave a lasting impression, they will want to see you again, and again.
• Avoid wisecracks and joke telling during your first encounter, you never know what someone else may find offensive.

[grouch]

on 12/14/2007 Great advise. Don't give too much information. People if dating or even in interviews can be scared off by this. Be real...face it you are who you are.