How to make a good first impression on people?

Question

This must come across as being a stupid question. I'm in high school (sophmore) and want to know if anyone has any advice on this. I know the usual, smile and be yourself... Anything else?

THANKS GUYS FOR ALL YOUR ANSWERS. I DON'T TRY TO BE SOMETHING I'M NOT AND I TRY TO NOT HANG OUT WITH SHALLOW PEOPLE, BUT THERE WILL ALWAYS BE PEOPLE LIKE THAT. I LEARNED A LOT EVEN THOUGH SOME OF YOUR ANSWERS WEREN'T EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.

Most of y'all are telling me stuff I already know and I don't need cruel answers.

Y'all also need to remember I'm not at work, I'm at school.

Answer 1

break the ice with a joke about a teacher, or your own flaws so they feel comfortable around you. Be relaxed about everything and don't try and pry into their personal life and such. Make the greeting nice and polite but also make it personal with something about you as well. Always welcome people to hang out with you and i know you know this but be yourself. If you feel a click, try to stay in touch and offer to do group projects together. Don't imediatly ask for contact info, let things lay out where they fall and if you do become friends then you can take the friendship almost anywhere=]

Answer 2

To consistently make good impressions on different types of people, you have to be a chameleon sort of. If at all possible, know the interests and preferences of the people you want to impress and become what they want. It may sound like swallowing yourself, but you'll never fit in if you can't front a little.

If you're talking about making a good impression on a lot of people at once, appeal to the lowest common denominator and go from there. What I mean is simplify yourself just enough so that everyone can understand you, and once you have their attention, you can reveal more of your complexities. Also, most people are shallow unless motivated to be otherwise, so being attractive and well dressed matters a lot.

And if you're not attractive or a good dresser, I'm sorry. Things will just be a little a harder for you. LOL (but alot of truth is said in jest)

Answer 3

Good, steady eye contact. And good posture. You will be surprised how far that will take you, especially with girls.

You can also try making a joke or two (don't over do it). Some mild self depreciating humor can convey confidence (you don't mind making fun of yourself) and a little humility.

Answer 4

Be yourself if your anything else you may give a false impression and the friendship won't last anyway. Try to lean the conversation to them, and avoid the I did I said I went type conversations because it sounds like you are bragging. Find out what they like to do where they like to go find common grounds and interests and when you do it will go from there naturally. :-)

Answer 5

Hi Jeff. Another person asked a very similar question not too long ago and my answer was chosen as best. Perhaps some of the advice I gave her may help you. Here is the link. Good luck!

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtJ_Bmy5VHVlBvYMg1l1L8fsy6IX?qid=20060727131810AAvI53Y

Answer 6

God's wisdom states.For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).
That my friend is what true greatness is to have complete self control.

Proverbs 25:6 do not exalt yourself in the king's presence,
and do not claim a place among great men;

7 it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here,"
than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.

Answer 7

Strong handshake and good eye contact. And read, as in learn a lot about culture music and people. It will give you something to offer in a conversation.

Answer 8

juss be ur self....and try ur best and find someone u have things in common with....or u could juss look as hott as possible but that would kindda b rong cuz then the person ur tryin to impress wont no nuttin bout u cuz theyll b starin at ur hottness...lol...

Answer 9

obviously be yourself...but most importantly don't stress about the "first impression" to begin with...most people are fairly forgiving and aren't going to formulate all these notions about you...and if they do, theyre probably very ignorant and superficial

Answer 10

find what you and the person you like have in common and use it to connect. you just gotta go with your gut. in life the more swings you take the more strikeouts and homeruns you will have. so dont worry about it that much.