Whether it is about securing a dream job or forming a lasting relationship, getting off to a great start can easily be the foundation of a life-changing situation.
We collected 11 important things to help you interact with someone you have never met before. You better keep these in mind if you are going to smash it.
11. Be positive
When meeting someone new, try to kick off the conversation with a genuine smile and stick to positive topics going forward. It will define your overall attitude and help you portray the best version of yourself.
10. Develop an open body language
Your body language can tell a lot about you even before you introduce yourself. Lean your body toward the person you are talking to, and avoid crossing your limbs to make you look more approachable and relaxed. In general, make sure you maintain a pose that you feel is neither too closed nor too casual.
9. Make eye contact
While interacting with someone, your lack of eye contact might give the impression that you want to leave the room. Then again, staring into the other person’s eyes for too long can make them feel a little uncomfortable. Using the triangle method of switching focus between the two eyes and the mouth should help you maintain the proper amount of eye contact.
8. Pay attention
Always listen carefully to what the other person is saying to then be able to use that information as the conversation continues. If you show interest in what others have to say, they are more likely to be open, resulting in a desired fluid dialogue.
7. Ask questions
Stressful situations can often make you nervous and forgetful about what you want to say. Asking a well-timed question, however, will not only let you gather your thoughts but may also turn the conversation in your favor.
6. Find common ground
When communicating with someone, always try to find something you have in common. Mutual interests and topics you both enjoy make for a smoother flow of conversation.
5. Be unique
Originality is always valued greatly. When trying to make a good impression, come up with something unique instead of forcing boring topics no one cares about. Revealing an interesting skill or hobby will distinguish you from others and let you win anyone’s favor.
4. Show your sense of humor
It can be difficult to see the humor in things when meeting new people, but if you happen to nail a joke at the right time in the right manner, it can be a great step forward to achieving success. Telling bad or inappropriate jokes, on the other hand, is likely to ruin your image.
3. Gathering information in advance
Prior to meeting someone for the first time or going to a job interview, it is advisable to learn some information about the person or do some research on the company you are attending. That way, you will have more knowledge as to how to prepare for and what to expect from certain situations. You will also have more things to discuss, and you will be quicker to give satisfying answers.
2. Take it easy
While preparing for meeting someone new can help you make a good first impression in a big way, putting too much effort into and overly focusing on how you behave will make you nervous…you will lose your head eventually! So don’t overthink it, and just remember to be yourself and concentrate on the people around you.
1. Check your breath
Bad breath can kill any chances of making a good first impression, so here’s the way to know for sure if you’re ready to meet a new person: lick your wrist with the middle part of your tongue, wait 5 to 10 seconds, and then smell your wrist. If you don’t like how it smells, it’s time to use a toothbrush or mouthwash.