Shift the focus from yourself to others

In less than one-tenth of a second of seeing someone for the first time, our brain processes information about the person’s face—which leads to quick conclusions about a new acquaintance’s qualities, including trustworthiness, competency, friendliness, honesty and morality.

Try not to look bored, rude or hostile.

A useful attitude is welcoming, curious and enthusiastic: smile, make eye contact long enough to notice the color of that person’s eyes, sit without crossing your arms or legs. This project a positive, open warm impression.

It’s important to first consider where you are trying to make a good impression—whether it’s a formal job interview or a dinner date.

Context matters. It gives you cues as to how you should dress, speak, look and behave, in a way that matches the setting you are entering to. That ...

We tend to like people who are a little bit similar to us.

Start with your shared environment, ike commenting on the weather or something you notice in your surroundings, then move to facts, ike the reason you’re gathering or a recent news story. You’re likely to find something you b...

While appearing overly fatigued might not be an accurate portrayal of who you are, it can adversely contribute to people’s first impression of you.

And multiple studies suggest poor sleep cand lead others to perceive you as less attractive, less smart, more depressed and less healthy.