Leaving an impression that packs impact and is long lasting is critical to many aspects of your life. Whether it is for an interview, a new job, a date or any new relationship you are often judged and socially ranked on your first impression. So why not have an impression strategy checklist. Here are my 6 T’s to leaving a great impression.
1. Tude: (attitude)
- Be Confident: this is displayed many ways, however posture, firm handshake, eye contact and your body movements are among the top ones noticed immediately.
- Relax: Don’t twirl your hair, rub your hands together, slouch or appear uncomfortable, being relaxed equates to a certain coolness factor.
- Use your manners; hopefully you learned them as a small child (unfortunately each generation appears to lose them more and more). Having them will set you apart.
- Humility: it is not a sign of weakness, so don’t be afraid to show your humble side.
- Know who you are and be comfortable with yourself, never, ever wish you were someone/something else.
2. Threads
- You are what you wear! Dress for the occasion!
- Appearance should always be clean and groomed, no matter what the Hollywood jokers are dressing like!
- Professional functions: have a good dry cleaner and wear pressed/ironed shirts.
- Social gatherings: dress for the occasion, but always be neat and appropriate (better to overdress than under dress).
- Polish your shoes, match your socks and be sure your belt matches your shoes….simple, easy and yet often overlooked.
3. Timing
- If you are early you are on time, if you are on-time you are late and if you are late — just don’t be!
- Also, don’t be a clock watcher…. nothing expresses a lack of interest like constantly looking at the clock.
- Transition conversations; don’t just awkwardly blurt out a new subject or interrupt a good conversation flow, you will get your turn!
4. Turn it on
- Be charming; simple gestures such as getting someone a drink refill can go a long way.
- Be witty; make thoughtful references to the conversation. The best way to do this is be a reader and retainer of information.
- Have something that distinguishes you from everyone else (NOTE: not cheesy, just unique); i.e. carrying your grandpa’s old watch is seen as charming, wearing your lucky skull & crossbones belt buckle is not (unless you are a biker)!
- Do have a great smelling cologne, Don’t smell like you were on a 12 hour Old Spice commercial shoot!
5. Tune In
- Always maintain eye contact with people. Looking off /away gives the impression that you are uninterested, which equals arrogance.
- Don’t interrupt. This is really hard when you are excited or an extrovert.
- Listen!
- Learn!
- Love something! showing passion will define you and leave an impact!
6. Talking
- Use people’s names often in conversation.
- In group settings, include other people in the conversation and try not to be the extreme center of attention.
- Be interested in what other people have to say. If your not really interested, then make your exit causally and after listening for 10 minutes.
- Jokes: if you have one that is funny, that is fine, but be sure it is funny (and clean)!
- Jokes in poor taste are the quickest way to be labeled a complete moron, avoid them at all cost even if the door is opened by someone else!
I am sure there are many, many more thoughts on this. Please comment on things that have others have done to leave a lasting impression!
