In an increasingly complex world, creating the right first impression is an important skill to acquire. The first impression lasts long after the first encounter.

Even if you cannot remember a person’s name, you can still recall an image. A good, long-lasting impression usually stems from a positive review of that person. When you achieve this, half the battle is born. You are your own walking advertisement showcasing your own brand.

Here are some tips on how you can create the impeccable first impression.

Posture

Slouching or standing on one leg gives others a very negative impression of you. They may think you are lazy, rude or simply indifferent.

A man who wants to be viewed as confident should stand in a gentlemanly manner – with both legs slightly apart in a V shape. He must adopt a “stomach in, chest out” position, and look straight ahead.

Where he places his hands is also crucial. He may place his arms either by his side or lock his hands together in front.

Eye Contact

Eye contact is very important on all occasions. It goes to show that you are interested in both the conversation and the person you are talking to.

Established eye contact means that you have noticed his presence and  are acknowledging it.

For Americans, especially, direct eye contact is a must. However, for Asians, direct eye contact may be too intimidating, as many are not used to being stared at in the eye.

In the Asian context, staring at someone in the eye projects an air of defiance. Similarly, when a parent lectures a child, he will never expect his child to stare at him straight in the eye.

Here are two ways Asians typically look at a person:

The casual look: This is basically the look practiced by everyone, either consciously or subconsciously. It is the most popular look of all.

When you meet a friend, look him in the eye, then look at his nose down to his mouth and then re-focus to look into his eyes. This gives the impression that you are not being too aggressive.

The business look: This conveys only one message, that is: “I mean business. No fooling around.” Look someone straight in the eye when you speak, and do not shift your eye contact to other areas. Continue to focus on the person till he feels intimidated, and then he will automatically lower his head.

Smile

Many women lament that their male counterparts looks so glum and serious, and do not smile enough. Actually, a smile is the best disguise. The world-famous Mona Lisa painting is enigmatic because her smile can be interpreted in so many ways. A smile is a positive assertion that you have noticed someone from a distance. A smile, albeit small or forced, puts others at ease and helps break the ice.

Grooming

A brilliant person must not only have brains. He must be considerate, and more importantly, know how to carry himself well. There is no denial that interpersonal grooming skills do take some time to learn and to display with ease. Some people even take a lifetime to learn these skills. However, there is no doubt that these skills once learnt, will remain with you for life.