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Regardless of country of origin, industry, or language spoken, there is no doubt that first impressions matter. We generally remember our first meeting with someone, especially how we felt about that person. Whether you are looking for new friends, attending a job interview, or wanting to impress someone you would like to go out with, those initial moments will leave a lasting mark long after the first encounter. When it comes to making a good first impression in English, here are some aspects to keep in mind.

• Be courteous and kind when meeting for the first time. Avoid shaking hands—due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this has become rather unusual. However, when meeting someone for the first time, you can touch elbows or raise your hand and see if there is a desire for physical contact on the other side (obviously in compliance with current regulations). An open and warm greeting can go a long way, even without a handshake. “I’m pleased to meet you” is the most common phrase.
• Master the art of conversation at the beginning of the meeting. It is best to avoid awkward silences if you want to make a good impression in English. One of the easiest ways to avoid such a situation is to have questions ready and be prepared for preliminary conversation. Asking questions about career or work always works in a professional setting, or you can ask how the journey to the meeting went. Regardless of the question you decide to ask, it is important to listen carefully and then ask a follow-up question to continue the conversation.
• Compliments always help. People we meet generally remember us for how we made them feel, not so much for what we said. Therefore, compliments can be useful if you want to make a good first impression. The best compliments concern things you have heard about the person’s work or activities, perhaps a project they participated in or an achievement they reached. You could also express appreciation for the food offered to you or something they are wearing, such as a watch or earrings. Be careful not to get too personal—for example, it is neither acceptable nor advisable to comment on physical appearance. Even if you say something positive, this can still cause embarrassment, as it makes the other person feel observed and judged.
• Find a way to continue the contact. If this is someone you want to see again soon, you can suggest a way to stay in touch before the conversation ends. Simply say: “Shall I give you my number?“, or give your business card. If the meeting was pleasant, say so clearly and communicate to the other party that you would be happy to repeat the experience.
• Be courteous and open when saying goodbye. This is the final impression you will leave, so it is important that it be polished and positive. Say something kind about the time spent together, such as “it’s been really good to meet you“, and then add a reference to the future, such as “hopefully see you again soon“. Look the person in the eye as you say goodbye and, if appropriate, offer a handshake.

Making a good first impression in English is not very difficult; simply adopt these simple practices.