A great key to success in all kinds of situations is a great first impression. Whether it be at a job interview or with your girlfriend's parents, a first impression can go farther than you can imagine. Most professionals, whether they do it consciously or unconsciously, in an interview situation, will take the person that they consider not "just another suit and tie.” The first impression helps to differentiate your character from that of another. Great first impressions can only be taught to a certain point. For example, one cannot simply be taught a generic set of things to say in hopes of applying it to every possible situation you encounter. There are a few things that make first impressions great no matter who you are meeting for the first time.
The first component of a first time meeting is a great hand shake. Often time people fail to give the intended party an appropriate handshake (I would know from personal experience). I have been a tennis player since my eighth grade year. At the end of a tennis match it is customary to give the other player a handshake no matter who won or lost. The worst kind of player was always the one that gave you a limp dead fish instead of a firm handshake. This leaves a bad memory for you to be associated with. One thing about first impressions that most people don't understand is that the impression doesn't end until you shake hands for the second time. If the both handshakes are successful, your chances of having a great and lasting first impression.
A second strategy to incorporate for success in meeting someone new is asking more questions than explaining about yourself. This is not to shorten your own answers so that you may seem dull. The tactic is designed so that you don't seem like a rambler. Ramblers often give off the impression that they don't care about other people. This way, both parties in the greeting find mutual benefit and joy from learning about each other.
Knowing what kind of information to give at what time is the third and most important aspect of meeting someone new. For example, no one wants to hear about relationship problems if they just shook your hand for the first time. This could have massive negative effects on the outcome of your first impression. Maybe later on in the relationship to this person you will be able to talk about such things, but at first, people want to know basic information like what you do for a living and where you grew up. Through this basic information you will hopefully be able to relate more to the other party. Each time you find some sort of similarity between each other, you are one step closer to becoming better acquaintances.
Using these three basic rules of first impressions can get you far; however, the rest is up to you. Getting a successful outcome is doable and depends heavily on your ability to feel out the other person. When in doubt, asking a question can clarify many sources of awkwardness. Good luck in your endeavors and God speed!
