First Impression Of Professionalism Analysis

With only one chance to make a good first impression, it's important to get it right. Here are five ways.

Impression of Professionalism
First impressions happen before you are within speaking range. It mostly comes from your appearance and your movement.

To create the right first impression, your appearance cannot be an accident. To get the best effect, your appearance should be based on an analysis of expectations. You want to reinforce the positive expectations and 'blow-away' their negative expectations. So, f the general expectations of your industry/profession are positive, do everything you can to reinforce that expectation. And if the general expectations of your industry/profession are negative, it can help to look different to what

Firm (but not too firm!) dry and held for three seconds. If you feel comfortable you might employ your left hand to clasp the back of their hand to create the two-handed shake or touch them lightly on the right elbow as you shake.
• Your opening words. Be warm, clever (but not too clever) and avoid clichés.
• Pay them a sincere compliment. Everyone loves to be complimented and it takes such little effort to give one. If you feel uncomfortable complimenting their appearance, compliment the questions they ask ("What a clever question." "You're very perceptive"), their profession or organisation.
• The way you describe what you do. I will always remember the receptionist who was entitled 'Director of First Impressions'.

Impression of Intent
First impressions are based on impression of your intent and, for most of us, this cannot be faked. My first impression of you is likely to be negative if I perceive that your intent is to:
• Sell me something
• Assess the potential value of a relationship with me
• Tell me how good you (or your company) are
• Get information out of me that you can later

Sometimes it is a good tactic to offer to follow up with something you will send them that might be of use. It creates an impression of helpfulness, creates a positive second impression and shows that you do what you say you will do.

Impression of Attentiveness
If standing, face them straight on. If sitting, try to avoid having a table as a barrier between you. Sit on their side. Give them your full attention. Give them time - don't talk over the top of them. If your aim is to make them believe that you are the best listener they have met all day, it is assured that you will have created a lasting first impression.

Kevin is an experienced conference speaker, workshop leader, facilitator and MC. He has twenty-five years experience as a corporate trainer and fifteen years experience as a professional speaker.

He runs his own business from Brisbane, Australia, speaking at conferences and seminars across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and in the UK specialising in the areas of sales, customer service, humour in business and communication skills. His clients include some of Australia's largest organisations, politicians, members of the judiciary, Olympic athletes and elite sports