It’s never been more important to make an incredible first impression. You’ll have more jobs, spicy senoritas, and money if you do. You’ll have more friends too. The list goes on and on.
I want to review a few strategies to boost your first impression, even if you’re shy. If you learn to make an incredible first impression, you’ll have an advantage over 99% of other men because men are getting worse and making great first impressions. Why is this?
Why men are making poor first impressions
We are overconsuming technology and social media. We interact online, which means we don’t interact as much in person and don’t meet face-to-face. This means that we are out of practice. Further, the casualization of style and grooming has been further reduced. We’re not dressing up for important meetings or when meeting somebody. If you’re not paying attention, this automatically lowers somebody’s impression of you. For instance, not shaving every day will make you look slightly lazy. We’re also not as good at reading physical cues. Being in front of somebody will allow you to practice and actively engage to understand body language and the nuances that go into personal interactions and communication.
The rise of influence in our culture has led to unrealistic expectations, and many people put on an air of confidence rather than connecting on a deeper and more intimate level. If you’re always worried about how others perceive you, this can interfere with your ability to connect. Lower self-confidence is the last reason we have gotten worse at making great first impressions. Loneliness and pressure are the causes. We see many people we feel are superior to us on social media, which can make us feel less secure in who we are. To truly make an incredible first impression, you have to be confident.
Here’s how to make an incredible first impression
- Elevate your style and grooming. Even if you’re not confident, you can fake it. Humans are visual creatures; when we see somebody, we see how they dress. If they are dressed well, half the battle is one. Style is one of the quickest and easiest steps to boost your first impression prowess. Dress with style and intention so people automatically respect and view you as more attractive. They will want to connect with you. You also need to smell sexy as hell. You’re missing an important component even if you’re attractive but don’t smell good. Make sure your fragrance isn’t too overpowering. You must also wear deodorant and ensure your breath does not stink. Your skin game needs to be strong along with your hair. Make sure it’s styled and not oily.
- Smile! Your smile is the most powerful nonverbal communication tool that you have. It shows that you’re engaging and friendly. When you smile, you’re inviting. If you’re shy, make sure you smile authentically. People can tell when you’re faking it. Smile like you’ve known somebody forever, and smile with your mouth and eyes. You can practice in the mirror. And when you’re walking into a room, put out your hand to shake along with your smile. Look friendly, automatically connecting you to people and making you look better than others. Men have gotten more awkward because we have lost the ability to communicate effectively. We have lost the ability to engage and actively listen.
- Actively listen. We often fill in the blanks by talking a lot, especially if we’re shy or trying to compensate for our perceived shortcomings. We think we are not confident or interesting if we’re not talking. This is further from the truth. Many people like talking about themselves and being the center of attention. You can do better by actively listening. You need to practice because it’s an art. Look intently at the person, make eye contact, shake and nod your head, and respond, letting them know you are listening and comprehending what they’re saying.
- Make proper eye contact. Making eye contact is important, but you have to do it right. Just hold it for a few seconds and then break the gaze. Don’t avoid eye contact altogether because this makes you look shifty and shady. If you’re looking down, you look submissive. When you’re talking, make eye contact or look at their eyebrows, then break to the left and then break to the right. Do not look up and down.
- Be yourself. Even if you’re shy, don’t act like you’re something you’re not. Be authentic. Be the best version of yourself and speak with intent. Choose your words carefully, smile, make eye contact, and actively listen. If you look amazing and smell sexy as hell, you will be further ahead than most men.
