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How do I not be awkward the first time I meet someone?
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Answer ( 1 )
You don’t want to come off as creepy or weird at first meeting.
Here’s what you should do:
1) Smile
2) Look them directly in the eye
3) Say something casual
4) Keep talking until they start talking back
5) Don’t stare
6) Make yourself look attractive
7) Be confident
8) Have fun
9) Ask questions about them
Be Prepared
If you’re going to meet someone for the first time, you should be prepared. This means having a plan for how you’re going to introduce yourself and what you’re going to say when you do.
Here’s a simple formula for getting ready for any meeting:
1) Write down three things you’d like to tell this person.2) Think about where you would go to practice saying those things out loud.3) Practice saying them out loud until you feel comfortable.4) Go to the place where you practiced and try it out.5) Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you feel confident.
This strategy works because it forces you to prepare ahead of time. And once you’ve done it enough times, you won’t need to rehearse anymore.
When you’re nervous, you tend to talk too fast and stumble over words. But when you’re relaxed, you speak naturally and easily. So practicing beforehand helps you relax and become comfortable with your introduction.
And remember, there’s no right or wrong way to introduce yourself. The only rule is to be honest and genuine.
Dress Appropriately
If you’re going out somewhere formal, dress appropriately. Don’t wear jeans and sneakers to a black tie event. Wear slacks and a button down shirt. And if you’re going to a wedding, don’t show up wearing flip flops and shorts. Dress appropriately.
And when you go to a restaurant, don’t order pizza at a fancy French bistro. Order steak frites instead.
Don’t worry too much about being overdressed or underdressed. People who overdress or underdress usually aren’t very comfortable in their own skin. They feel uncomfortable because they’re trying to fit in with others. But if you just relax and let yourself be yourself, you won’t need to worry about dressing inappropriately.
Smile
Smiling makes you seem friendly and approachable. And when you smile at someone, it makes them feel better too. So next time you’re out somewhere, try smiling at everyone you pass. It’ll make you appear friendly and outgoing, and you’ll find yourself meeting more people.
And remember, if you’re ever unsure whether to smile or not, just ask yourself this question: Would I rather be right or would I rather be happy?
To review
Being prepared and having confidence will go a long way towards making the first impression count.