By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

We’ve all heard about the importance of first impressions. Maybe we’ve been misjudged and suffered. What can we do when ours is tainted? We can apologize, even justify, our behavior. But unfortunately, that initial meeting can’t be undone. Last week, I spoke with a writer friend about those initial impressions are everlasting. 

How can we ensure those who meet us for the first time walk away with a favorable perception? The truth is, we can only be ourselves, but we can do our best by looking presentable and showing a genuine desire to listen for friendship. And this doesn’t only apply to a professional setting but every person we encounter.

The following seven tips will help ensure our first greeting seals a positive impression. Not every new face means a lasting relationship, but we can choose to present our best.  

1. Ensuring a favorable first impression stems from the heart. When we are confident in who we are and are authentic in taking an interest in others, we gain a five-star review.

2. Look our best. When our doorbell rings, who does the person on the other side see? When we take the time to dress as though each person is special, that reflection becomes a part of who we are and what the person remembers. Practice personal hygiene. There’s no excuse for unwashed bodies, uncombed hair, or unbrushed teeth. Not only is it a must for a valuable first impression, but we feel better about ourselves when we look and smell . . . clean.

3. Engage a smile. Always. Even if a tragedy has hit and it’s hard to face the world without falling apart, it’s still critical to show others we are delighted to meet them. Practice smiling in the mirror, even when tears threaten to overtake us. 

4. Use positive speech. Have you ever been in a crowd where someone is angry, using inappropriate language, or simply making sure he/she is heard? I quickly become embarrassed for that person. Speak clearly and use a pleasing tone in a lower tone. Avoid the um, err, yea like. When we practice considerate verbal and nonverbal communication for those around us, we’ll be remembered in a good way. 

5. Show graciousness. I often travel, and one thing that upsets me is a person who is rude to others. Hotel staff, restaurant workers, taxi drivers—everyone deserves our respect and appreciation for what they do. Even when we are treated unfairly, we don’t need to reciprocate with bad behavior—and remember to tip appropriately.

6. Put others first by asking questions about them. Express a compliment or congratulate the person on an achievement. This shows the introduction is not about us.

7. Listen. Listen. Listen to what the person has to say. Good eye contact and open body language show we are sincere.

“First impressions matter. Experts say we size up new people in somewhere between 30 seconds and two minutes.” Elliott Abrams

How do you feel about first impressions?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Follow DiAnn on Twitter: @DiAnnMills