We have all heard the quote, “First impressions are the last impressions.” And that’s true. Even researchers have found that human brains only take just
7 seconds on average to form an impression of you, and in some cases, as fast as 100 milliseconds. It may be a date, an interview, a presentation, or an event, but the way you show up can make a lasting impression before you speak.
But why does a first impression hold such power? And what can we do so that we can make a lasting impression? Let's break it down. Humans are wired to make quick judgments. It’s a survival mechanism. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors had to quickly decide if someone was a friend or foe. Today, that instinct still exists, but instead of danger, our brains evaluate trust, confidence, and likability. The reality is that once a person forms an impression, it sticks. Psychologists call this the “primacy effect” , which means the first piece of information our brain receives lasts longer. Studies suggest that
80% of people’s lasting impression of you is determined within the first few seconds of interaction. So if a person in the first impression appears confident, chances are you will always perceive that person as confident, even if later moments aren’t strong.
Like it or not, the way you appear and present yourself matters a lot. The way you dress, the posture you carry, the firm handshake, the facial expression, and a warm smile can make you appear as a strong and appealing personality. Even body language communicates indirectly without any words and forms an impression. Your body language can communicate your confidence, openness, and nervousness. For example, crossing your arms might seem defensive, while leaning in slightly can show disinterest and less engagement. Research shows that
Nonverbal cues account for nearly 55% of first impressions.
Voice tone and word choice matter. Studies on self-talk even show that referring to yourself by name or using “you” instead of “I” creates distance and confidence. Of course, first impressions aren’t always about looks. It's also about how you address and communicate. How strongly you communicate, your tone, your words, hand gestures, and the way you listen matter a lot. In fact,
38% of first impressions come from tone of voice alone, while only 7% is based on the actual words. The ability to listen to others and show genuine curiosity in other people can leave a lasting impression. People not only remember what you say but also how you make them feel.
Here is the tricky part: changing a first impression is possible. The answer is yes. But it takes a lot of effort and time to make a new impression again. Once someone forms an initial judgment, they unconsciously look for evidence that supports it—a process called
confirmation bias: That’s why first impressions are so hard to undo. So once it forms, it's very hard to change. This is why making a strong impression from the beginning is valuable.
Here are some practical tips to make a lasting impression.
Be presentable: How you dress counts. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the situation. To look good, you only need to wear well-chosen, well-maintained clothing.
Pay attention to your body language: Maintain proper posture, stand tall, and smile warmly. More than half of your influence on other people comes from nonverbal cues, which the brain processes more quickly than words.
Exhibit sincere interest: Do this by listening, being inquisitive, and asking questions. According to studies, during first meetings, people who actively listen are seen as more likable and trustworthy.
Be On Time: Being on time demonstrates respect. Studies in organizational psychology have shown that even a 5-minute delay can cause a 30% decrease in perceived professionalism.
Remain True to Yourself: It's challenging to continue acting like someone you're not. In the end, authenticity always prevails. Self-efficacy, as defined by psychologist Albert Bandura, emphasizes how people become more memorable and persuasive when they have confidence that is based on authenticity.
First impressions aren't everything, but they can help you get to know someone better.
People will see you in a certain way based on how you look, how you move, and how you talk. You can't control everything and every detail, but being aware of how you present yourself can help you make a good impression that lasts. So, the next time you walk into a room, remember that people are paying attention to how you act as well as what you say. Make it count.