First impression is always right

The first impression of a person is always right

First impressions are everything. They have the power to create or ruin a person, business, or product. That is why people say a first impression is the last impression. Professor of psychology at New York University and expert in impression management, James Uleman, asserts that "you don't have a second chance to build a first impression."

 

In psychology, the term "first impression" refers to the moment when a person first meets someone and forms an impression of them in their mind. Without a doubt, first impressions are crucial, but they may not always reflect the genuine self or character. The first impression often reflects a great deal about the person, especially when met all of a sudden. The judgment starts to build from the way the person is dressed to the way they talk or behave. This is often a true reflection of a person’s inner character.

 

This could also imply that individuals would eventually want to display their excellent traits by acting modestly and kindly. And impressions also vary hugely between the observer and the person who is being observed. For example, a first impression for "X" might be how "Y" dresses, but for "Y," it might be how "X" acts in public. As a result, various people have varied first impressions. The first impression a person makes on an observer will influence how they are treated.

 

Numerous studies on human psychology and behaviour have been conducted in the past. And it is no surprise that studying

Do you know that it takes the average person only one-tenth of a second to form an opinion of someone?

how a person reacts when meeting someone for the first time has also been of interest to researchers. According to the research, those who spend more time on their first meeting form better first impressions or judgments than those who meet briefly. The answer is straightforward: people can only mask or fake themselves for short periods of time, but throughout a prolonged conversation, it becomes very clear who a person really is.

 

It was discovered in a 2009 study, published in the “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin” that things like posture and outfit choice have a big impact on initial impressions. Later, research on social impact conducted in 2011 suggested that a person's handshake might reveal a lot about them. A limp handshake, for example, might make them seem too passive.

 

So, you may be wondering, can I trust my guts when I meet someone for the first time?

 

Fact Check – Make a first impression that invites you for a second impression.

According to psychologist and “Thinking Fast and Slow” author Daniel Kahneman, "Research has found that first impressions are surprisingly valid. You can predict very quickly whether you like a person and if others will. “In a split second, our brain judges whether someone is a friend or an enemy. It is always important to follow your heart, because even if your mind becomes confused, your heart will always send you signals and tell you whether something is right or wrong.

 

So, can others read us even when we don’t want them to? "Nobody can read minds, but any reasonably attentive individual can get a feel for another person," says Antoine Pelissolo, a psychiatrist. If someone tells you, they can read who you are and what you are trying to hide. I assure you that they are bluffing 99 percent of the time. They may be able to detect your mood or tell how you are feeling, but they cannot read your thoughts.

 

Important: Before passing judgment on somebody, always give them the benefit of the doubt in the beginning or during the first meeting.

But keep in mind that not all initial impressions are accurate, and passing judgment on someone too quickly might have negative effects. Have you ever pondered what would happen if you had a bad first impression of someone and didn't recognize it for a very long time? Expectations—you read it right. For instance, once you perceive an individual to be good enough with signs of kindness and maturity, your expectations of that person will be different versus no expectations the other way around. And if the realization doesn’t happen quickly, it will be too late to mend the ways, both mentally and emotionally.

 

Our perceptions of people are greatly influenced by our sentiments. When we are joyful, we behave differently, and when we are depressed, we behave differently. In either circumstance, we run the risk of failing to notice any indications the other person may have given at their initial meeting. The ability to judge behaviour comes with emotion, and no two people behave in the same manner. While one might make a decision immediately, the other could wait until the proper occasion.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is that a person's initial impression will alter depending on whether they meet them personally or professionally. For instance, the strategy will be different if "A" travels to meet a new family member for the first time than if "A" goes to give an interview in a workplace. They could be warm and welcoming when speaking to a member of your family or very professional and helpful while conducting an interview. In both situations, the observer will have distinct observations of the same person.

 

So, how do you make a good first impression?

        

Ø Make eye contact.

Ø Facial expressions.

Ø Give a charming, kind grin.

Ø Pay close attention to what the other person is saying, particularly when they are speaking.

Ø Never turn your back on someone else.

Ø Dress to impress.

Ø Properly groomed.

Ø A positive frame of mind.

Ø Be on time.

Ø Watch your body language.

Ø Be confident.

Ø Bring the discussion back to your strengths.

A study from Princeton University has found out that people make judgments on attractiveness, likability and trustworthiness.

It is also seen that individuals like people who are similar to them in some manner, whether it be in terms of height, weight, appearance, sense of style, preferences, or even likability. As a result, they feel more confident and at ease opening up to the other person.    

 

You will also find a lot of people in this world who really don’t care about their first impression. During the initial encounter, they won't be concerned with how they appear, act, or communicate to others, which frequently gives out false signals. As a result, it may sometimes work to their advantage and completely against them at others. Regardless of the circumstances, everyone wants to leave a pleasant, enduring, and favourable impression on the other person. We want people to remember us for the right reasons, consider us friends in our personal lives, and work with us professionally.

 

Always keep in mind a few things before meeting someone:

E Avoid being overly affected by the other person during the initial meeting.

E Watch out for them if they don't give you a chance to speak and just talk about themselves.

E If you are meeting an introvert, then you may have to take the first step to make them comfortable.

E Never meet someone new while you are uptight or depressed since this will affect your perception of them negatively, regardless of how great they are.

 

Future relationships, employment opportunities, joint ventures, and even other significant life issues can all be impacted by the impression one makes. Before a first-time meeting is scheduled, it is essential to make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. This will not only inspire confidence in the things that will undoubtedly benefit you, but it will also offer you plenty of time to make improvements. A long-lasting impression is the first step to a long-lasting relationship.

 

To sum up, we can only say that people are the greatest and most difficult riddles to solve, so don't worry if your initial impressions of certain people are not right. There is always something you can take away from the first encounter and try to apply to the next. And like they say, keep trying till you taste success.