#1: Make the Other Person the Center of Attention
The greatest way to make a positive first impression is to demonstrate immediately that the other person—not you—is the center of action and conversation. Illustrate that the spotlight is on you only, and you’ll miss opportunities for friendships, jobs, love relationships, networking, and sales. Show that you are other-centered, and first-time acquaintances will be eager to see you again

#2: Good Listening Skills
Closely related: You’ll make a superb initial impression when you demonstrate good listening skills. Give positive verbal cues:
• ‘Hmmm. . .interesting!’
• ‘Tell me more, please.’
• ‘What did you do next?’

Just as actors benefit from prompts, your conversational partner will welcome your assistance in keeping the exchange going.

#3: Use others’ names frequently

Use the name of a new a cquaintance frequently. ‘Judy, I like that suggestion.’ ‘Your vacation must have been exciting, Fred.’ You show that you have paid attention from the start, catching the name during the introduction. Equally as important, you’ll make conversations more personal by including the listener’s name several times.

#4: Be Careful with Humor
Although a quip or two might serve as an icebreaker, stay away from sarcastic remarks that could backfire. Because you don’t know a stranger’s sensitivities, prolonged joking might establish barriers you can’t overcome, either now or later.

#5: You Don’t Need to Be Right
Follow Dr. Wayne Dyer’s advice, offered in his wonderful book ‘Real Magic,’ by ‘giving up the need to be right.’ Confrontations with somebody you’ve just met will destroy rapport before you even start building it. Wait until you have established credibility before you challenge another’s statements.

#6: Dress Appropriately

Appearance counts. Several years ago, a professional colleague offered to meet me for lunch. I decided against wearing a suit, opting for a sport coat and tie. When he showed up in shorts and sandals, the message he conveyed was: ‘Bill, meeting you is a rather ordinary experience, and doesn’t call for me to present a business-like appearance.’ Not surprisingly, that was the last time I met with him.

True, standards for appropriate attire have changed drastically. Maybe the best advice I can share came from a participant in a seminar I conducted. She said, ‘I don’t dress for the job I have now, I dress for the job I want to have.’

#7: Your Words Matter

As a communication specialist, I have to point out that an individual’s speaking style impacts the first impression, maybe more than we wish. Listeners judge our intelligence, our cultural level, our education, even our leadership ability by the words we select—and by how we say them

Keep these seven tips in mind. They will reduce your fear of business and social encounters with unfamiliar faces. More positively, you’ll start enjoying poise and success that you thought were beyond your reach.