If you’re hoping that the flirty banter that you’re currently enjoying with a sexy stranger on Chat2Date – the UK’s busiest phone chat line – leads to a hot date, it’s crucial that you know how to make a positive and lasting great first impression.
A great first impression counts whether you’re dating a crush, interviewing for a job, or meeting new people. How you come across in the first 30 seconds of an encounter sets the pace and scene for how things progress and develop between you. You have less than half a minute to dazzle with your personality, charisma and intelligence.
Even though time is limited, there’s no need to break into a cold sweat to impress someone, when you know all about the 5 ways to make a great first impression…
- Prioritise punctuality
When you’re meeting someone in person for the first time, it’s absolutely essential that you are punctual.
Arriving 15 minutes before your agreed time is sufficient for you to get comfortable at the chosen venue, and to make sure that you look and feel your best. Arriving any earlier may make you feel anxious while you watch the clock.
If you’ve agreed to catch up online at a particular time, don’t be tardy with your timekeeping. Being late could present your crush with an opportunity to chat and get to know someone else.
- Polish your social skills
Social skills incorporate the ability to communicate effectively, to actively listen, and to show empathy and respect. Mastering these valuable life skills will boost your self-confidence, and enable you to create an impression that’s always positive and well received.
When meeting someone for the first time, relax and smile warmly, and confidently extend your hand for a firm handshake.
Use a simple introduction like: “Hi, I’m ________. It’s great to meet you”.
Speak slowly and clearly, and use your listening skills so that you can easily recall the other person’s name during later conversation.
- Make eye contact
Eye contact conveys confidence, and a sense of interest. When you meet someone for the first time, it’s a good idea to use the powerful technique during the introduction handshake, and whilst you engage in warm and friendly conversation.
For eye contact to feel comfortable, it should be fleeting. Holding a gaze for longer than a few seconds, or staring, will have the opposite affect of what you’re hoping to achieve.
- Use body language tricks
It’s estimated that 60-90% of our communication with others is nonverbal. Within the first few minutes of meeting someone, your body language is doing all the talking. Unbeknown to you, your body is constantly offering clues of your credibility and intentions.
On a hot date, non-verbal communication can make or break what could potentially be a great relationship. To ensure that your body language doesn’t let you down, start by adjusting your posture…
Your back should be straight but not rigid, with shoulders relaxed.
Next, align your body with the person you’re talking to.
If you’re seated, avoid crossing your legs, but do lean in slightly to show interest.
Mirror the body language that you’re observing, so that the other person feels relaxed in your company.
Using hand gestures is acceptable, provided that they improve your thinking process.
Show that you’re paying attention, by offering appropriate nods and a genuine smile.
- Show off your authenticity
It’s perfectly normal to feel slightly anxious before meeting someone new. If you want to make a good impression, it’s always best to be authentic. This means owning up to how you’re feeling.
Even if your acting skills are top notch, never try to impress by pretending to be someone you’re not. Relax and just be yourself. Imagine that you’re meeting with a good friend, and allow your engaging personality to do most of the work.
If you’re feeling ultra nervous about creating the right impression on a date, it’s helpful to run through the meeting scenario with a trusted buddy beforehand, until you feel relaxed and at ease. Ask your friend for honest and to offer constructive feedback, so that you know what you need to tweak to make a great first impression.