First Impressions: 8 Science Backed Strategies To Make a Lasting Impression

How can you ensure people are judging you accurately and also seeing your best side? 

The most important thing to do for giving a good impression is to set your intention. Right now pick your ideal first impression word. When people first meet me, I want them to see me as_______.

People can judge our personality from handshakes alone. What does yours say?

Your goal is that your nonverbal shows whomever you’re interacting with that you’re calm, confident and powerful. You can do this with a launch stance.

Your stance is actually more important than your posture.

• Your toes – which should always be pointed toward the person you are speaking with.
• Your hands – should always be visible and ideally expressive as you speak.
• Your arms – should always be loose so there is space between your torso and arms so you can gesture and easily reach out to shake hands.
• Your shoulders – which should be down and back so they look nice and relaxed. They also should be angled towards the person you are interacting with.
• Your chin – which should be neutral so you are not looking up at someone or sneering down at someone.

There is almost no way to make a good first impression if you are having a bad day. If you have to go to an event, find a way to snap yourself out of your bad mood. 

Working out, calling a friend or watching funny or inspiring YouTube videos before events often gets you in a more social, feel-good mood.

Clothes, makeup, jewelry, watches, and shoes are all types of ornamentation, and people definitely take these into account when making initial judgments.

Get some of your favorite outfits or ornaments together and ask friends you trust what they think of when they see them.