5 Steps to Make A Lasting First Impression

by | Communication

Have you ever met someone, and within 5 minutes you can’t remember their name? Either you have a bad memory, or that person did not make a lasting impression. The truth is these days you say your “hello” and “nice to meet you” and don’t even think twice.

When I meet someone, I use the following technique to remember them, as well as make a lasting impression on them:

  1. Take the initiative and introduce yourself: “Hello, my name is Rohit Rohila” in a formal setting, or “Hi, I’m Rohit” in an informal setting. They will tell you their name in return. In this example we will say that I meet a person named Bonnie.
  2. Establish a connection: Once you know their name, repeat it and make eye contact, then slowly smile. Having a slow smile lets them know that you are smiling because of them, and not because they are just another body.
  3. Ask an amazing open ended question: Once you are smiling and looking them in the eyes, repeat their name and then ask them an amazing question. “Hi Bonnie, how is your day so far?” She will give the automatic response of “good” or “fine” and may even ask you the same question in return. Now what is so special about that question? I’m sure you already ask it every day. Well the magic is in the follow up question: “So what’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?”A question like, ‘What’s the best thing that has happened to you today?’ will leave the person in shock. No one ever asks a question like that. They will pause, recap their day in their mind, and then tell you what happened to them. Let’s say the highlight of Bonnie’s day is that she is celebrating the 5-day anniversary of her newly found relationship. Now the key, REMEMBER WHAT THEY TELL YOU!!!
  4. Recap the conversation: When the conversation has come to an end, simply recap what has happened, “It was very nice to meet you Bonnie, and I hope that he takes you to a nice dinner for your 6th day anniversary tomorrow!”
  5. Walk away with a smile.

Now say I run into Bonnie again but can’t recall her name. However, I ask her how her new relationship is. Which do you think will make Bonnie feel more special, remembering her name, or her story?