The summer months always mean a busy calendar, so much to do and plenty of people to see. There’s probably a lot more in the pipeline than usual, from end-of-year business meetings and festive celebrations to birthdays and weddings. Not only do you want to enjoy meeting new people at these events, but you want to make sure that you make a good impression everywhere you go!
Meeting people for the first time can sometimes be a little nerve-wracking. However with a bit of prep prior to your event, you can put a plan in place to make sure you leave the best true impression of you. Read on to find out more on how to make a good impression.
Within the first few seconds of meeting someone, we can generally pick up a huge number of cues about the person. Whether they seem like someone we can trust, if they are genuinely nice and how they make us feel. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and so the picture first presented says much about you to the person you are meeting. Of course this means we need to be mindful of how we appear to others by bringing some key considerations to mind:
- Preparing well ahead of time
- Setting an intention
- Watching our body language
Preparing well ahead of time allows you to really put your best self forward. Think about what you’re going to wear, how your hair will look, and what accessories are going to be appropriate. This will make you feel your best and help to boost your confidence and mood. Outfits for special occasions such as formal dresses or cocktail dresses can really help to boost your confidence. They are also a really great staple to have in your wardrobe for any special occasions. Never worry about being over-dressed as people will only think you look lovely and that they should have dressed up more. Make sure that what you are wearing and how you do your hair or make-up conveys the right message to whoever it is that you’re meeting.
Setting an intention before you arrive at an event helps you to utilize and make the most of your time. This is particularly important before a big event where you’d expect to be meeting a lot of people such as at conferences, networking events or friend’s parties. As you put your dress on, while you’re sorting out your accessories, or while you’re driving to the event, think about what kind of people you want to meet and what kind of interactions you’d like to have. This kind of preparation and thinking helps you to visualize how you see your introductions and interactions panning out.
Watching our body language is just as important as watching what comes out of our mouths. Body language speaks volumes and can often have more impact on first impressions than the words that you speak. Genuine smiles are always a win. Stand tall and be proud of who you are. Be prepared with a thank you when compliments come your way. If people aren’t used to seeing you dressed up, you can expect that when you put your cocktail dress on, you will most definitely wow the crowds! When you’re comfortable in the skin you’re in, and very importantly the outfit that you’re wearing, this will shine outwards. Choose an outfit that will flatter your body type. Preparation leads to great presentation!
Do you have any other winning tips for impressing at social events and how to make a good impression?
