8 body language tricks of people who always make a memorable first impression

Avatar by Lachlan Brown | October 16, 2024, 11:54 pm

First impressions matter, big time.

As Hack Spirit founder and mindfulness enthusiast, I’m Lachlan Brown, and I’m here to tell you that sometimes, it’s not about what you say, but how you say it.

Body language speaks volumes. It can be the make-or-break factor in how others perceive us from the get-go.

Don’t worry, though, I’ve got your back.

Here are 8 body language tricks to help you make a lasting and positive first impression.

There is no manipulation, just an authentic expression of who you are.

Ready to make every first meeting count? Let’s get started.

1) Master your handshake

In the world of first impressions, handshakes hold a lot of weight.

A handshake is often the first physical contact you’ll have with another person.

It’s a silent introduction of who you are and what you represent before you even say a word.

A firm handshake exudes confidence and respect.

On the flip side, a limp handshake can give off a hesitant or uninterested vibe.

It’s not about exerting dominance but establishing a mutual connection.

A good handshake should be firm but not overpowering, with just the right amount of pressure to make the other person feel valued.

Renowned psychologist Albert Mehrabian once said, “The combined effect of simultaneous verbal, vocal, and facial attitude communications is a weighted sum of their independent effects.”

So, your handshake sets the tone for the conversation that follows.

Keep in mind, it’s all about balance – too firm and you may come off as aggressive, too weak and you may seem uninterested.

As Mehrabian says, it’s all about the combined effect.

2) Eye contact is key

Trust me when I say, the eyes don’t lie.

As a mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve learned the power of maintaining good eye contact during conversations.

Let me share a personal experience.

I was once at a networking event and found myself in a conversation with someone who was constantly looking around the room while I was speaking.

It left me feeling like I wasn’t being heard or valued.

Now, compare that with another conversation where the person maintained steady eye contact with me.

This simple act made me feel seen, heard, and important. It was as if they were genuinely interested in what I had to say.

Eye contact can make all the difference in how people perceive you.

When done right, it conveys respect, attentiveness, and confidence.

3) The power of posture

Posture is huge in body language, and the way you carry yourself can significantly impact your first impression.

Slouching can be interpreted as a lack of confidence or interest.

In contrast, standing tall with your shoulders back shows that you’re comfortable in your skin and ready to engage.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego,” I dive deeper into how mindfulness practices can help improve our body language, including our posture.

By learning to be more present and aware, we can consciously direct our bodies to exude positivity and confidence.

And it’s not just about impressing others.

Good posture has numerous health benefits, from improved breathing to better digestion.

4) Mirroring

Mirroring is an interesting psychological tactic that involves subtly copying the body language of the person you’re interacting with.

This could be their gestures, facial expressions, or even their speech patterns.

Why does this work? It’s all about rapport.

When we mirror someone’s body language, it subconsciously signals that we’re on the same wavelength.

It helps to establish a connection and can make the person feel more comfortable and understood.

However, subtlety is key here. You don’t want to come off as mimicking or mocking them.

Instead, it’s about reflecting their behavior in a natural, unobtrusive way.

Renowned psychologist Richard Wiseman in his research found that people were more likely to report positive feelings towards someone who subtly mirrored their behavior.

So next time you’re making a first impression, be mindful of the other person’s body language and see if mirroring can help you establish a stronger connection.

5) Embrace the power of silence

Here’s a trick that might seem counter-intuitive: Silence.

Yes, you read that right. In the midst of all the talking, gestures, and eye contact, a bit of silence can actually make a powerful impression.

Silence gives the other person space to speak, think, and process.

It shows that you’re not just interested in pushing your own agenda, but are genuinely interested in listening to what they have to say.

Moreover, it exudes confidence.

It shows that you’re comfortable in your own skin and don’t feel the need to fill every moment with chatter.

6) Use open gestures

Open gestures can make a world of difference in how you’re perceived.

They signal that you’re approachable, receptive, and friendly.

What are open gestures? They are body movements that expose areas of your body that are usually protected, like the torso and the inner side of your wrists or palms.

It’s about leaning in during a conversation, nodding along, or gesturing with your palms up.

Avoid crossing your arms or legs as this can be seen as defensive or closed off. Instead, aim to keep your body language open and inviting.

7) Smile genuinely

Nothing can replace the charm of a genuine smile.

It’s a universal sign of friendliness that can disarm the sternest of faces and make you memorable.

Once, while feeling quite nervous about a big presentation, I decided to start with a warm, genuine smile.

The positive response was immediate and noticeable. The audience seemed to relax and become more receptive, and the overall atmosphere turned friendly and open.

But here’s the catch – your smile needs to be genuine. People can easily tell a fake smile from a real one.

A genuine smile involves not just your mouth, but your whole face — your eyes light up, your cheeks lift and create “crow’s feet” around your eyes.

8) Mind your personal space

Understanding and maintaining an appropriate personal space is crucial when it comes to first impressions.

Invade someone’s personal space and you could make them feel uncomfortable, stand too far away and you might come off as cold or disinterested.

The key is to strike a balance – maintain a distance that respects the other person’s comfort zone, but also allows for a sense of intimacy during the conversation.

This comfortable distance can vary based on cultural norms and individual preferences, but generally, for social interactions, a distance of about an arm’s length is considered appropriate.

Wrapping it up

Body language is like an unspoken dialogue that we’re all partaking in, whether we’re aware of it or not.

It’s a powerful tool that can help us make a memorable first impression, connect with others on a deeper level, and ultimately, shape our relationships.

These 8 body language tips are not just about ‘tricking’ people into seeing us in a certain way. They’re about being mindful of our non-verbal cues and using them to communicate more effectively.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego,” I explore the importance of mindfulness and how it can help us better navigate our interactions with others.

By becoming more aware of our body language, we can ensure that we’re sending the right messages and making a positive impact.

Now, these tips are not hard and fast rules but starting points to help you become more aware of your body language.

Experiment with what feels comfortable for you, observe how others respond, and adjust accordingly.

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