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How to Make a Positive First Impression
It has been said that within ten seconds after entering a room most people will make a snap judgment about the social environment. In short order they’ll decide whether or not the people there are friendly. It’s called a first impression. Likewise, when you walk into a room you’ll be sized up in a matter of moments. People will notice your clothing, your hair style, the expression on your face, your posture, and your body movements.
When you speak, people will notice the quality of your voice. They will notice your pitch, your tone, your rate, your accent (if you have one), and your enunciation. They will make judgments about your emotional state based on your tone and style of delivery. Lastly, perhaps, they will notice what you have to say, which they will interpret by the first impression they have already made of you.
As a speaker you are essentially performing for an audience of judges. This is literally true if you are involved in formal speech competition. The more intentional you are about making a positive first impression, the easier it will be to establish the trust and credibility it takes to effectively communicate your message.
Here are some essential components for making a good first impression. These tips apply to the professional looking attire you would wear in speech competition, and they are good to consider for personal appearance in general.
1. Smile
Your face is your most important means for making a positive first impression. Wear a smile that can be seen in your eyes. It communicates friendliness and confidence. A grumpy disposition is a poor representation of a faith that brings joy. Avoid chewing gum or eating when you speak. Check to make sure you don’t have parsley stuck in your teeth or food smeared on your face. It’s distracting.
2. Dress to Feature Your Face and Hands
Wear clothing that directs people’s attention to your face. Dark suits allow your face to stand out in contrast. Include attractive colors in your attire (shirts, neck ties, scarves) to add warmth and personality. Dress modestly. Avoid clothing that directs undue attention to parts of your body other than your face. Avoid wearing colors and patterns that clash. Wear a hairstyle that keeps your hair out of your face and makes you look respectable. Keep jewelry to a minimum so that your eyes are the main focus. Temperatures permitting, wear long sleeves so that your hands stand out in contrast to your clothing and are easy to see.
3. Use Good Posture and Natural Movements
Good posture and smooth hand movements also help make a positive first impression. Take deliberate steps when entering a room. Let your hands swing naturally at your sides when you walk. Keep your hands visible and out of your pockets. Don’t slouch or look off balance. Let the impression you make show that you enjoy being with the people there, and that you look forward to communicating with them.
4. Sound Confident and Personable
The first words you speak will make an impression. Speak them loudly and clearly, in a calm, controlled voice. High-pitched, rapid speech indicates nervousness. Try to make your voice sound confident and friendly, generally in the lower part of your vocal pitch range. A greeting or welcome is a good way to be personable with your audience and put them at ease.
5. State a Clear Purpose and Preview Your Points
Let your audience know why you are speaking to them. State your topic clearly and give a preview of your main points. Hint at your conclusion to keep them tracking with you.
6. Have a Strong Beginning and Ending
Audiences tend to remember the beginning and end of a presentation the most. Make your opening and closing strong and memorable.
7. Keep Things Short, Sweet and Simple
Be enthusiastic. Be sincere. Be brief. People will appreciate it. Show gratitude to your audience for their attention.




This is old news, but Resident Evil 5 Alternate was shown at the most recent Tokyo Game Show. The big hooks are that it will support the new motion wand and contains a new sub-chapter with Jill and Chris. The jury is out on the motion wand thingy, but I’m psyched for this extra story as well as playing as Jill in the main game instead of the special mission modes.
BAYONETTA!
The closest thing to it is Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 which I also finally got around to checking out in demo form. Feels pretty much like the first game with minor tweaks. It’s on my watch list for sure. Just depends on when some free time opens up and perhaps any price drops happen.
Yikes
Little more classy. Sort of.














I apologise for the minimal posting of late - I am finally back online tonight as we have just moved to our beautiful new farm and I have spent the last week packing and unpacking boxes, cleaning the new house, organising tradesmen and adjusting the girls to their new schedule. It is safe to say we all love it out here - it is so peaceful and pretty. It sounds so cliched but we are awoken every morning by a family of kookaburras - so very Australian! Speaking of all things Australian, I have been catching up on all things Suri from my friend Vania's website Suri Cruise Italia and it appears that Katie & Suri spent alot of time during their stay here in Australia shopping up big with some of our wonderful local children's labels. This week in Boston Suri has been seen in seed (of which the Cruise's are big fans, having several pieces from their collection), Polka (I love all their prints!) & Mini Metalicus (who have a fabulous women's label as well). Please check out Suri Cruise Italia for all the details of Suri's fashions - Vania is always first to find Suri's wardrobe details - and her website is generally just awesome!










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