Positive first impression

The first impression forms in just a few seconds, during which the most important thing is to inspire trust. However, in the most critical moments, things sometimes go wrong—we lose our composure out of nervousness, or, at worst, we don’t know how to act—and the first impression turns out differently than we would like. In today’s blog, Madam will discuss how to leave a positive first impression.

Amy Cuddy, a psychologist at Harvard Business School, has studied first impressions for over a decade. She and her colleagues found that we make initial judgments about a person by answering two questions:

Can I trust this person?

Can I respect this person’s abilities?

According to the research, 80–90% of first impressions are based on these two traits. We often think that competence is the most important factor, and people tend to try to fake it when meeting someone for the first time. However, Cuddy’s studies show that trust is the key. For your competence to matter, people must first trust you. Without trust, competence can even be perceived negatively.

How to Make a Good First Impression

It only takes seconds for someone to decide whether you are trustworthy and competent. Studies show that first impressions are hard to change, and the pressure of meeting someone new can be intense. Once you understand the importance of inspiring trust, you can start taking steps to manage your first impression. Here are some tips to help you:

Let the other person speak first. Give them the opportunity to start the conversation. If you immediately try to control the discussion, you are asserting dominance, which does not help build trust. Trust and warmth emerge when people feel understood.

Use positive body language. Being aware of your gestures, facial expressions, voice tone, and ensuring they are positive can make a significant difference. Enthusiastic intonation, uncrossed arms, eye contact, and relaxed, gentle movements can completely change the interaction.

Put your phone down. You cannot build trust while looking at your phone. Nothing disrupts people more than sending a message mid-conversation or glancing at your screen. Be fully present in the conversation—you’ll find discussions more engaging and enjoyable when you immerse yourself completely.

Make time for brief conversations. This may seem trivial, but studies show that starting a meeting with a five-minute light conversation improves the outcome. Many trust-building methods, like casual small talk, may seem like a waste of time—but only if you don’t understand their value.

Listen actively. This means focusing on what the person is saying rather than planning what you will say next. Asking thoughtful questions is a great way to show that you care. If you don’t ask clarifying questions, it’s better not to speak at all. If you are thinking about your next words or interrupting, you appear inattentive and signal that you consider your input more important.

Prepare in advance. People appreciate when you know something about them and they don’t have to start from zero. This isn’t about personal secrets, but simple facts that can be found on a company website or LinkedIn profile. While this doesn’t apply to random acquaintances, it’s crucial for planned meetings, such as interviews or consultations with potential clients. It demonstrates competence and inspires trust, highlighting initiative and responsibility.