First impressions count: There is no second chance!

We all know them: people who walk into a room and immediately attract everyone's attention. We find them likeable from the very first moment because they radiate from within and at the same time appear natural and authentic. New research into emotional intelligence shows that this positive charisma does not simply depend on a lucky coincidence. Each of us can train our behavior to come across as likeable or more likeable to others. Let's go!

Smile: A positive, friendly look counts when making a first impression

Yes, you can practise smiling. And it's worth it, because it's completely natural for us to mirror the facial expression of the person opposite us. If we smile in a friendly way, it is highly likely to be reciprocated. We radiate joie de vivre and show the outside world: Hey, I like doing what I do!

Impress with warmth: Score points with openness and interest

We don't gain more charisma by seeking the limelight and craving attention. On the contrary. We win other people's hearts by treating them with warmth and respect. This means approaching them openly, signaling to them that we have nothing "bad" in mind, but are looking forward to a friendly exchange with them. "First impressions count" therefore means creating the ideal basis for convincing others of our merits.

Caring makes an impression: listening to others and offering comfort

Listen actively, let the other person finish and ask questions. Empathize with others and take their thoughts seriously. Comfort them in an emergency. All of this shows: You are important to me, I am with you all the way. Signals that we would like to receive and appreciate from others. This makes it all the more important that we internalize them and use them to create familiar closeness with the people around us.

Humor: An important first impression that counts.

It's essential to have a bit of fun - if you spread a good mood, you'll automatically be a hit with others. Because if you don't take everything too seriously yourself, you'll also lighten up the person you're talking to. It goes down particularly well when we can laugh at ourselves. This shows that we don't take ourselves too seriously and that mishaps are okay. As we all know, to err is human.

Affirm statements: Gestures make a strong impression

No false modesty, no false restraint, first impressions count: If we want to win others over and convince them of our merits, we should use facial expressions and body language in a targeted manner. Strong gestures generally do not come across as exaggerated, but authentic. They emphasize and reinforce our statements, which makes us more credible. A light, brief and preferably accidental touch on the other person's shoulder or arm also emphasizes our story and builds trust. Gestures such as crossed arms can have a negative effect if the overall impression says: "Go away", "Leave me alone" or "I don't want to!" With a charming smile and in a relaxed atmosphere, the same gesture has a completely different effect. And when making eye contact: look friendly, open and directly into the other person's eyes - don't stare.

Showing weaknesses: no more unnecessary perfection

Of course, we don't have to tell others at the first opportunity what we failed at last. But it doesn't go down well to only boast about successes either. Mentioning small weaknesses here and there (and owning up to them) usually comes across as very likeable and endearing to others. This is mainly because our counterpart can then be sure that we don't want to put ourselves "above" them, but that we don't give a damn about absolute perfection.

Seek common ground: Turning you and me into a we

It's simply true: Birds of a feather flock together. If we have something in common with the people around us (hobby, job), it immediately creates familiarity. So let's say more often: "Great, I like that too!" or "I feel the same way." In this way, we are no longer strangers to our counterparts - we become allies.

As you can see: The saying "First impressions count" is linked to behaviors that can be trained for more success and likeability in life.