Did you know it only takes seven seconds for the brain to make a first impression? Your first impression is so powerful because first impressions never have a second chance. And it’s true. You can’t take whatever you said or did back after all is said and done. Never forget, your first impressions are a forever picture of you that someone will carry with them forever. When most of us think of first impressions, we think of face to face interactions. But, did you know that in many cases, your first impressions are not made in person? A first impression may be your voice through a phone call, an email, or even your social media content. So, how do you develop powerful first impressions to “wow” people within those first crucial seven seconds? Keep reading . . . .

Strong and Confident Posture

Your posture can instantly change the way people perceive you. When is the last time you saw a powerful professional making a confident first impression by slumping over a boardroom table speaking to their team or slouching while giving a presentation to a large audience?

Researchers have found that when you assume an uplifted posture your brain gets a signal that it’s confident, powerful and you’re in charge. The brain equates power with the amount of space you take up when sitting or standing. When you stand tall with uplifted posture, you maximize the amount of space you fill by taking up more space and project more power. When you slouch, you collapse your form, and take up less space, and project less power. In the animal kingdom, when animals want to win a fight or are competing for a mate, they puff up their chests and stand tall to make themselves look larger. So, if you want a confident and powerful first impression, stand tall!

So, what steps can you take to improve your posture? I suggest that exercise is one of the best ways to train your body to stand tall. Personally, I have found that yoga classes has been very helpful in improving my posture. Studies suggest that yoga elongates the body, aligns the spine and retrains your frame to be more upright https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/yoga-pilates-tai-chi/how-yoga-helps-back.

Powerful Body Language

Your body can tell everyone how you are feeling in the first seven seconds of meeting you without saying a single word. If you want to show power and increase your authority in your first impression, you need to command it through your body.

The Smile

Facial expressions are very important when it comes to making powerful first impressions. For example, if you are being interviewed, it’s always a good idea to smile by which you are saying, “I’m a confident person who would love to chat with you about my future.” Your expressions say more about you than words in a split second. The interviewer needs to believe for seven seconds that you are positive, but at the same time professional which can be achieved with a smile. Smiling is of great importance because it is associated with confidence and trust and draws people to you during those first seven seconds of meeting them.

Eye Contact

Study after study confirms the importance of eye contact right at the start to make a confident first impression within the first seven seconds. Did you know that eye contact produces the trust building chemical in the brain oxytocin? Think of eye contact like a battery charger. Unless you plug into the other person, there is no charge between the two of you. I suggest to you this clever trick to make eye contact: initially look at the other person’s eyes for a second or two, then look at their face for a second or two, then look at their nose for a second or two, then repeat the loop. Voila, you will come across with a confident and trustworthy powerful first impression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you are a walking, breathing billboard of your first impression. You are in charge of marketing yourself, so what does your first impression say about you? Would you buy it? Would you aspire to it? If not, then nobody else will either. I love William Thourlby’s quote, “People, like diamonds, have a basic market value, but it is only after they have been polished that the world will pay their real value.” Let me know how I may help you WOW the world with your powerful first impressions. You are capable of amazing things!

My greatest triumph is seeing you triumph! Until next time, be well.

Your partner in success,

Cathi

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