Making that great first impression

Dale Carnegie had it down to an art, making that great first impression. And his classic, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” still serves as a cornerstone of, well, doing just that. A firm handshake and making eye contact go a long way in making someone feel you are engaged and eager to hear what they have to say.

But much has also changed since his book came out in 1936. As we head into the 2019 Utah State Legislature general session, our schedules are fuller, and our attention span is nearly non-existent. And despite studies showing we have seven seconds to make that first impression, many now say some decisions are sealed in a tenth of a second.

In other words, you better know how to make the most of it.

• Start with the basics. Dress appropriate to the occasion. If you want someone to consider you a credible authority, you must dress the part. Pay attention to your grooming. And give yourself enough time to pull it all together. You do not want to arrive late; no matter how valid you consider your excuse, you’ve stepped off on the wrong foot.

• Turn off the electronics. Nothing lets someone know where they stand in your eyes like checking your phone or pausing to take a call. You want them to feel as if they have your complete attention, that you are there to listen to them and there is nowhere else you would rather be. And the upside of that is they in turn are likely to give you the same consideration, raising their eagerness to hear what you have to say.

• When you do speak, make sure your body is talking the same language. Stand tall; exude confidence. Speak clearly, taking command of the moment without seeming bullish or close-minded. State your case – come prepared on your thoughts – while acknowledging their views. Again, you will find your attentiveness reciprocated, opening their minds to what you have to say.

Seem like a lot to fit in seven seconds? It is. But if you are in position, prepared, confident and engaged, those elements will go far in influencing what they think of you. You have one chance … make the most of it!