Everyone wants to make a good first impression, whether it’s on a first date, at a job interview, or just meeting new people.
The good thing is that doing so isn’t actually all that hard. Connecting with people and putting your best foot forward is actually pretty simple — all it takes is doing these things during your initial conversation, and you’ll be golden.
1. Make eye contact to show you’re genuinely interested.
Looking someone in the eye when they’re speaking shows you’re fully engaged in the conversation. It makes people feel heard and appreciated. Just be sure not to stare too intensely — a natural, relaxed gaze is what you’re aiming for.
2. Use their name in conversation to create a personal connection.
There’s something special about hearing your own name. When you use someone’s name in conversation, it shows you’re paying attention and helps create a sense of familiarity. Don’t overdo it, however — once or twice is enough to make an impact.
3. Ask thoughtful questions to show you’re listening.
Showing genuine curiosity about what someone is saying can instantly make them feel interesting and important. Ask follow-up questions that build on what they’ve shared. This shows that you’re not just hearing their words, but actually processing and engaging with their ideas.
4. Offer a sincere compliment to boost their mood.
Everyone enjoys feeling appreciated, and a genuine compliment can instantly brighten someone’s day and create a positive association with you. The key is sincerity — focus on something specific that you truly admire about the person, rather than generic flattery.
5. Mirror their body language to build rapport.
Subtly mimicking the other person’s posture and gestures can create a subconscious sense of harmony. If they lean in, you lean in slightly too. If they cross their legs, do the same. Be sure to keep it natural and not too obvious!
6. Show empathy when they share something personal.
When someone opens up to you, responding with empathy can create an instant bond. You can say things like “That must have been tough” or “I can imagine how you felt” to show you’re trying to understand their perspective. A bit of emotional connection can be powerful in building trust.
7. Remember small details they’ve mentioned before.
Recalling little things someone has told you in the past shows you value what they say. It could be as simple as remembering that they hate olives or asking about a project they mentioned. Some attention to detail makes people feel important and appreciated.
8. Offer help without being asked to show your thoughtful side.
Being proactive in offering help can leave a strong positive impression. It could be something small like holding a door open or offering to carry a heavy bag. Whatever it is, these gestures show you’re considerate and willing to go out of your way for other people.
9. Use humour appropriately to lighten the mood.
A well-timed joke or light-hearted comment can help put people at ease and create a pleasant atmosphere. Just be sure to read the room and avoid potentially offensive jokes. Self-deprecating humour can be particularly effective as it shows humility.
10. Be on time to show you respect their time.
Source: Unsplash Showing up on time (or even a few minutes early) for meetings or appointments proves that you value the other person’s time. It shows reliability and consideration, which are key traits for building trust. If you’re running late, always communicate and apologise.
11. Practise active listening to make them feel heard.
Source: Unsplash Give your full attention when someone is speaking. Nod, make appropriate facial expressions, and use small verbal cues like “mm-hmm” to show you’re tuned in (though use this sparingly). Avoid interrupting or immediately jumping in with your own story — let them finish their thoughts.
12. Share a bit about yourself to encourage openness.
While it’s important to show interest in other people, sharing some information about yourself can help create a balanced, two-way connection. It shows you’re willing to be open and vulnerable, too. Just be careful not to dominate the conversation with your own stories.
13. Use positive body language to appear approachable.
Source: Unsplash Maintain an open posture — uncross your arms, face the person directly, and lean in slightly when they’re speaking. A warm smile and relaxed demeanour can make you seem more approachable and friendly. These non-verbal cues can be just as important as what you say.
14. Be enthusiastic when discussing your shared interests.
Source: Unsplash When you discover a common interest, let your genuine excitement show. A bit of shared passion can create an instant connection and provide a great foundation for further conversation. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and make the conversation more enjoyable for both of you.
15. Be genuinely present in the moment.
Put away your phone and give the person your undivided attention. In our distraction-filled world, being fully present is increasingly rare and valuable. It shows respect and genuine interest, which can make a lasting positive impression.
16. Express gratitude for their time and company.
Source: Unsplash A simple “Thank you for chatting with me” or “I’ve really enjoyed our conversation” can end an interaction on a high note. Expressing appreciation makes people feel valued and leaves them with a positive impression of you. It’s a small gesture that can have a big impact.
17. Follow up after your interaction to show you care.
If appropriate, send a quick message or email after your meeting to say it was nice to see them. You could reference something you discussed or share an article related to your conversation. Putting in a little extra effort shows you enjoyed the interaction and are interested in maintaining the connection.
18. Be authentic to create genuine connections.
While these tips can help, the most important thing is to be yourself. People can often sense insincerity, so don’t try to be someone you’re not. Genuine connections are built on authenticity, so let your true personality shine through.
