How to Talk to Someone You Want to Impress

Don’t forget they’re human too.

Source: Unsplash

Whether it’s a hot new romantic interest, your boss’s boss, or your favorite celebrity, there are probably people you’re looking to impress from the first meeting. The most important thing to do is to be kind to them and let them talk.

Before you speak

The first ten seconds they see you are critical. Are you standing straight? Throw your shoulders back and open your body up, like you might do after winning a race or accomplishing something awesome. Look successful. When they see you, maintain eye contact. If you happen to catch their eye from the other side of the room, fight the urge to look away. Smile. (If you don’t smile, it’s creepy.) Then pause and look away.

When you meet them, smile from your lips to your eyes. Make it inviting, not overeager. Make sure your handshake is firm, but not painful. Just shake their hand twice and don’t linger. I’ve met with people who were confident and awesome but who almost broke my hand. I’ve also met with people who didn’t stop shaking my clutched fingers for thirty seconds. Don’t be that person.

By now, hopefully they already see you as Someone Cool, someone captivating and interesting. It always helps if you’re wearing something unique, like a pin or a scarf, that’s…