There’s a real art to making a great first impression. It’s not just about what you do, it’s also about what you don’t do.

People tend to remember the negatives more than the positives. A single misstep can overshadow any number of good points.

But fear not, there are certain behaviors those who consistently make great first impressions avoid like the plague. And I’m here to share those with you.

So, let’s dive into 9  things people who nail their first impressions never do.

1) Overdoing the introduction

First impressions are made within the initial few seconds of meeting someone. That’s why people who consistently leave great first impressions know that less is more.

They understand that overdoing an introduction can be off-putting. It can make you seem eager to impress or desperate for approval, which is a surefire way to leave a bad taste in someone’s mouth.

Those who excel at first impressions stick to simple, genuine introductions. They focus on being warm, confident, and present in the moment rather than attempting to wow the other person with extravagant gestures or stories.

It’s all about striking a balance between being personable and respectful without appearing overbearing or insincere. So keep it light, keep it real, and remember that sometimes, less truly is more.

2) Dominating the conversation

I’ll never forget a networking event I attended a few years ago. I was introduced to a guy who seemed friendly enough at first. But within minutes, he took over the conversation and it became a one-man show.

He talked about his successful business, his travels, his achievements – basically anything and everything about himself. He didn’t ask me a single question about my life or interests. It felt like I was just there to applaud his life story.

People who are good at making first impressions understand the importance of two-way communication. They know that conversation is a dance, not a monologue. They ask questions, show genuine interest in the other person, and share about themselves in a balanced way.

A conversation should be like a game of tennis, not a solo performance.

3) Neglecting their appearance

First impressions aren’t just about what you say or how you act. They’re also about how you present yourself physically.

People who make great first impressions understand this fact and pay attention to their appearance. They know that looking neat and tidy shows respect for the other person and the occasion.

This doesn’t mean you need to be dressed to the nines at all times, but it does mean being mindful of your grooming and dressing appropriately for the situation.

Our appearance is often the first thing people notice about you. Make sure it’s sending the right message.

4) Being dismissive or judgemental

There’s nothing that can sour a first impression faster than feeling judged or dismissed. People who make great first impressions understand the importance of being open-minded and respectful to everyone they meet.

They make a point to listen attentively, show empathy, and refrain from making snap judgements. Even when they disagree with someone’s opinion, they do so respectfully and without belittling the other person’s viewpoint.

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. So always strive to be kind and understanding, it leaves a lasting positive impression.

5) Showing up late

Punctuality is a clear sign of respect for other people’s time. Those who consistently make great first impressions understand and value this.

Being late can suggest a lack of planning, disregard for the other person’s schedule, or even worse, that their time is not as valuable as yours.

If for some reason you can’t avoid being late, be sure to let the other person know as soon as possible and apologize when you arrive.

Remember, respect for others’ time is respect for them.

6) Forgetting to be themselves

In the quest to make a great first impression, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be someone you’re not. But here’s the thing – authenticity shines brighter than any façade.

People who consistently make great first impressions know that being genuine is key. They’re not afraid to show their true selves, quirks and all.

People can sense when you’re being genuine and when you’re putting on a front. Authenticity resonates with people on a deep, emotional level. It makes you relatable and trustworthy.

Dare to be yourself. It’s the most beautiful and memorable impression you can ever make.

7) Closing themselves off

I used to be a pretty closed-off person. I’d go to social events and position myself in a corner, cross my arms, and avoid eye contact. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my body language was screaming, “Stay away!”

People who are good at making first impressions, they know how much non-verbal cues matter. They stand tall, maintain eye contact, and use open body language to show they’re approachable and interested.

It took some time, but I’ve learned to do the same. And guess what? It’s made a huge difference in how people respond to me when we first meet.

8) Ignoring the small details

It’s often said that the devil is in the details, and this is particularly true when it comes to first impressions. People who excel in this area have a fine-tuned awareness of the little things.

They remember names and use them in conversation. They notice if someone prefers a certain type of coffee, or if they mentioned a favorite book. They pay attention to what others are saying, not just waiting for their turn to speak.

These small details show respect and genuine interest, which can leave a lasting impression.

So next time you meet someone new, try to pay attention to the little things. It can make a big difference.

9) Failing to be present

I remember meeting someone at a networking event a few years back. He seemed like a great guy, smart and engaging. But there was one issue – he kept looking over my shoulder, as if searching for someone more important to talk to.

He wasn’t really present in our conversation. It felt like he was just biding his time until he could move on to the next person. Needless to say, that didn’t leave a great impression on me.

People who make great first impressions are always fully present in the conversation. They give you their full attention and make you feel like you’re the most important person in the room.

Final thoughts: the art of impressions

The canvas of human interaction is vast and diverse, but the brush strokes of a positive first impression are remarkably consistent.

At its core, making a great first impression is about showing respect, being authentic, and displaying empathy. It’s about understanding that every interaction is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with another human being.

So as you navigate your interactions, remember that your words and actions leave an imprint on others. And it’s up to you to ensure that this imprint is a positive one. After all, first impressions might be momentary encounters, but their echoes can last a lifetime.