People & Personality: First Impressions

WARM-UP

1. When I meet someone new, I usually feel: a) relaxed     b) a little nervous

2. I usually: a) talk a lot     b) listen more

3. I find it: a) easy     b) difficult to start a conversation with someone new.

4. When I meet someone for the first time, I usually notice: a) how they speak     b) how they behave

5. I think my first impression of someone is: a) usually right     b) sometimes completely wrong

USEFUL LANGUAGE

HOW DO PEOPLE COME ACROSS?

Use come across as + adjective to describe the impression someone gives other people.

She comes across as confident. = She gives people the impression that she is confident.

He came across as unfriendly at first, but he was actually just shy.

Useful adjectives: friendly • confident • shy • quiet • outgoing • serious • relaxed • nervous • polite • reserved

PRACTICE

1. When I first meet people, I probably come across as ____________________.

2. Someone who smiles a lot usually seems ____________________.

3. I find ____________________ people easy to talk to.

4. It takes me ____________________ to get to know someone properly.

5. When I want to make a good impression, I try to ____________________.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS – WHAT DO YOU NOTICE?

Choose three things that influence your first impression of someone the most.

their smile • their clothes • their voice • eye contact • their sense of humour • how much they talk • how they treat other people • their confidence • their body language

Compare your choices with your group.

Useful phrases: For me, it’s probably… • I tend to notice… • I don’t really pay attention to… • That’s a good point. • I know what you mean.

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

1. What kind of first impression do you think you usually make on people?

Example: I think I probably come across as quite quiet at first, especially when I don’t know anyone.

2. Have you ever had a completely wrong first impression of someone? What happened?

Example: Yes. I thought one of my colleagues was quite unfriendly at first, but when I got to know her, I realised she was just shy.

3. Think of someone you liked immediately when you first met them. What made them easy to talk to?

Example: One of my friends was very relaxed and asked me lots of questions. The conversation felt natural from the beginning.

4. Do you usually trust your first impression of someone? Why or why not?

Example: Not always. I think people can seem very different when they’re nervous or uncomfortable.

5. Do you think other people’s first impression of you is accurate?

Example: Probably not. I can come across as serious when I first meet people, but I’m much more relaxed once I know them.

6. What makes someone make a good impression on you?

Example: I like people who are friendly and polite but still behave naturally.

7. Have you ever been nervous about making a good impression? What was the situation?

Example: Yes, before a job interview. I wanted to seem confident even though I was quite nervous.

8. Is there someone you know who is very different from how they first seemed?

Example: My neighbour seemed very serious when I first met him, but he actually has a great sense of humour.

9. Who do you find easiest to talk to when you meet them for the first time?

Example: I find open and friendly people easiest to talk to because they usually help keep the conversation going.

10. How long does it usually take you to feel that you really know someone?

Example: Quite a long time. I think you need to see someone in different situations before you really get to know them.