Psychology of first impression

Its only up to you and only you to make relevant changes in your life to create one better yourself.

Let's be honest, everyone wants to make a good first impression. To understand how it can be done, we need to explore what people notice first. To help 7-in-7 theory was developed by Meier. In her book "Modern Etiquette Made Easy" the author provides seven aspects that others observe first:

1, Physical placement

2. Facial control

3. Personal presentation

4. Posture

5. Voice

6. Body language (including eye contact)

7. Charisma

But before we explore these in more details, it is important to ask yourself one fundamental question before first impression: Who are we meeting? By knowing upfront its easy to determine what the seven aspects would look like. By exploring who we are meeting and where, its also helpful to know how to dress according to the venue. You can than plan ahead what to wear and how formal the meeting would be.

Few etiquette rules within 7-in-7 aspects:

Physical placement

1. When you walk into a room, never turn your back to the room you are entering. Walk in, open the door with your right hand, walk through and close the door with your left hand. If you are left-handed (like myself) you can open the door with your left hand and close with your left one as well. The left one closing the door also leave the right hand free to shake it and greet people inside a room.

2. Keep an eye contact with those you are walking towards to meet.

3. Keep you chin straight to the floor looking confident with a smile.

Facial control

1. When you walk into the room with your eyes and mouth open, it is a sign of an openness and friendliness. It sounds basic, but a smile is one of the most important indicators of approachability.

Personal presentation

1. A small detail, even one outside of style and grooming can make a bin impact. Is you pen and notebook in presentable condition?

2. Remember, that your skin, nails, hair, smell count towards your first impression.

Posture

1. A good posture demonstrate positive body language.

2. Do not slouch somewhere in a corner or stand with a curved spine, shoulders forward and chin down.

3. Roll your shoulders back and keep the chin in parallel to the floor at all times.

4. Avoid using arm rests when sitting as your spine begins to curve.

5. Your back should dot be touching the back of the chair, keep spine straight when sitting.

6. Ensure you are around 1 hands width away from a table. Do not lean or hover over the table.

7. No elbows on a table. Try resting your forearms on a table if there is no food coming on it.

8. When walking down a stairs don't look down at the stairs you are walking. The same applies when you are walking up the stairs.

9. Walk gracefully and slowly. You don't need to rush or run looking manic!

Voice

1. A good strong voice is a key in having a strong presence.

2. You should have two points of inflection in every sentence to engage people. Have enthusiasm in your voice.

3. Do not be too loud, too soft or machining your voice go up at the end of the sentence.

4. Speaking fast can be a sign of nervousness, therefore we must learn to slow down.

5. Pause when talking to let others speak.

Body language

1. Put that phone away! Make sure that you are not looking down on your phone but directly at the people you are talking to.

2. When you are talking to someone always make eye contact with them the entire time.

3. When someone misspeaking, nod and acknowledge that you are listening

Charisma

1. People with charisma have good etiquette, put others first and always complimenting.

2. Charm can be learned and mastered.

So, there you have it. I hope the theory and tips will help to make the best first impression.