How to Make Good First Impressions During Covid-19

Handshakes and attack hugs are obsolete. That’s right, Physical contact is no longer acceptable when meeting new people. Bad news for the people that pride themselves on their handshake and the people that are set to auto-hug (fyi- I am a hugger, I confess…). The handshake has always been the gold standard for making a powerful first Impressions as well as a way to gauge the other person. What about “daps”? Done. For the most part at least. As humans owe feel the need to have physical contact with people upon meeting them and when separating. This is just what we do. I often imagine extraterrestrials visiting our planet and what they would think of this contact ritual us humans exhibit.

Until recently, the lack of a firm handshake signaled weakness, timidness, and submissiveness. Giving a weak handshake would leave bad impressions, closing off future opportunities with a person or company, despite your qualifications or compatibility. Sounds a bit ridiculous to think that perhaps the greatest minds never received the chance to grow, all because of a weak handshake.

In current times walking up to a person and extending your hand for a shake is not exactly ok. People are more aware of the speed of germs and take it more seriously than they used to. This means that your natural actions when meeting people will currently cause a negative impression. Attempting to shake some one’s hand shows a lack of consideration, a lack of cleanliness, and a lack of social understanding. All things that cause negative impressions.

Humans form our first impressions within 10 seconds of us meeting a new person. This is due to evolutionary instincts developed for survival to protect us from dangerous people and situations. Based on a general social conformity, In the past if you did not provide a good solid handshake or hug, there maybe something unusual or even dangerous about your presence. This all takes place subconsciously and compels a person to form their impressions of another person to assess potential hazards. This means that in current times, with Covid-19, a handshake is a dangerous.

So what now?

Now is the time to really use the social skills we have developed. Words, expressive gestures, and a physically defensive attitude about your personal space are the modern ways to project confidence, self-worth, and even charm and charisma.

Having the proper mindset is key to being able to understand everyone else trying to figure out how to make powerful impressions without their hands, hugs and daps. Patience and compassion will not only allow you to project that confident and charming demeanor but they also you to connect without physically contacting anyone.

Reading the vibes of the room your are in and vibes of the person you are talking to will also help you to understand them better and make feel comfort and warmth from your presence.

Getting creative with the way you speak to people as well as getting creative with what you say. You’ve got to stand out because without that physical contact, the only thing that can deepen the connection is energy, uniqueness, and authenticity.

How to Make Good First Impression during Covid-19?

- Do not attempt to physically touch anyone. No handshakes, hugs, or daps until they get to know you.

- Maintain a patient and compassionate mindset and a positive, understanding attitude.

- Read the room and match the energy and vibe of the room.

- Speak clearly with an even tone and pitch, stand up straight and make eye contact.

- Be creative with the way you speak to stand out. Vary your cadence, rhythm and content to maintain the attention of the person you are speaking with as well as increase the chances of you being remembered without being able to shake hands.