How to make a great first impression

"You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." One of the great truths of life! And although first impressions aren't the "end all and be all" necessarily, they sometimes can be so it never hurts to make sure yours is always a good one. Try following these tips:

• Avoid trying to make yourself sound impressive, and instead focus on the other person and encourage them to talk about themselves.
• Try not to appear to anxious, even if you are really nervous. Calm restless or twitching legs and don't talk too fast.
• Fake a good mood if you have to. It's always good to genuinely be yourself, but make it the best version of yourself possible. If you're in a bad mood the other person may think you're always that way.
• It's all in the eyes. Make eye contact, and do it for just slightly longer than the conventional 1 second.
• Sync up your movements and pace of speaking with theirs -- we attract those who are most like us.
• Be flattering, but don't overdo it. People love to be complimented, but it works best when they don't think you pass 'em out to just anybody.
• If you do make a bad first impression it is possible to recover, sometimes, by showing your sense of humor and self-awareness. Comments like "I wasn't myself earlier" and "I see you met my evil twin" can go a long way.