In an ideal world, everyone would give everyone else time to make an impression on a date ^[1], or any other time in fact! Unfortunately, realistically you have about 2 seconds – whether in person, or on the phone – to make a great first impression. Not long, is it?

After that first impression, you’re either on your way up, or on a slippery slope down. Once you’ve made a good, or bad, first impression the other person will subconsciously note your good or bad traits. This is why it’s essential you make a great first impression, and that matters even more on a first date.

What people notice first
•    Your energy levels – this isn’t just whether you’re bouncing about or not, it includes things like posture, which tells someone a lot about your attitude towards the world
•    Your outfit – this might seem shallow, but your clothes say a lot about you. They show how you see yourself, whether you’re confident, introverted etc.

How you can create a great first impression one-on-one
1.    Channel the right attitude – if you’re feeling anti-social or grumpy, that’ll be evident, no matter how much you try and plaster on a smile. Try to feel genuinely good about meeting someone new.

2.    Crack out a genuine smile – if you’re nervous, think about something funny or silly that’s happened to you in the last few days as you’re walking up to your date and you’ll smile, no problem.

3.    Don’t overdo it – it’s important not to seem over eager either. Make eye contact by all means but don’t stare them out. Same goes for handshakes: don’t yank their arm off.

4.    Soften your body language – crossed arms signal defensiveness, by uncrossing you show the other person you’re honest and comfortable.

How to create a great first impression to a group of people

1.    Look good, simple as that -  dress like you mean it. Don’t power dress, that’ll scare people off, but look like you’ve put some thought and care into what you’re wearing. You don’t need expensive clothes to do that, they just need to suit you and be neat and clean. Also, if you’re comfortable in an outfit, you’ll come across as much more relaxed.

2.    Position yourself in the centre of the room – just as shy people are ‘wall flowers’ sticking to the outskirts of a party, confident popular types tend to literally make themselves the centre of everything.

3.    Move slowly around the room – this will give the impression of confidence and sexiness. Confident, sexy people don’t feel the need to rush from person to person – or rush away.

4.    Notice someone and act on it within 3 seconds. Don’t just look over to them and then walk away; introduce yourself, or even if you must ask for some information. It’ll help get you noticed.

Practice in front of a mirror or in front of friends. After all, your first impression is the most important you’ll make. But remember that above all the most important thing is to be yourself. Don’t dress in a way that makes you uncomfortable and don’t plaster on a smile if you’re really not feeling it. You might just about be able to fake a first impression, but you can’t fake a whole relationship.