A Simple Way to Make a Good First Impression

I have heard the expression, “you only get one chance to make a first impression.”  Each time I hear people recite this statement, I seem to get a mental picture in my head of all the people I didn’t really care for when I first met them, but now find it hard to imagine a life without them.

My husband is one of those people.  Of course I found him interesting during our initial meet and greet but it was later on our first date when he showed me something few people got to see that I really warmed up to him.  I know, I know – what does any of this have to do with this chapter?  Well the thing he showed me was his smile.  A genuine smile that reached from corner to corner and elongated his eyes while showing each of his 32 teeth.

Of all the things we talked about on that first date the only thing I remember clearly is the way he smiled.  That’s what the focus of this chapter is, the way we reach people through the small act of smiling.  In my opinion, smiling is one of those underrated qualities that should be taught and demonstrated to children throughout their development.  Then it becomes as natural of a behavior to them as breathing.  

Throughout this chapter, emphasis is placed on the benefits this one act has on those who surround us.  I enjoyed this topic and have indicated a few note worthy quotes and simple questions for reflection below.

Notable Quotable: 

1. “the expression one wears on one’s face is far more important than the clothes one wears on one’s back.” – Dale Carnegie 

2. “People who smile tend to manage, teach and sell more effectively, and to raise happier children. There’s far more information in a smile than a frown. That’s why encouragement is a much more effective teaching device than punishment.” – Professor James V. McConnell

3. “..people rarely succeed at anything unless they have fun doing it.” – Dale Carnegie 

4.  “You must have a good time meeting people if you expect them to have a good time meeting you.” –  Dale Carnegie 

5. “Action seems to follow feeling, but really action and feeling go together; and by regulating the action, which is under the more direct control of the will, we can indirectly regulate the feeling, which is not.” – William James

6. “It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” – Dale Carnegie

Questions for Reflection:

1.  What did the stockbroker learn during his smile experiment?

2.  What are the two things the author said you should do if you don’t feel like smiling?

3.  What does the author indicate as the one sure fire way to find happiness?

4.  What is the Chinese Proverb that the author suggests we cut and paste into our hats?

5. What can be learned from the “Value of a Smile” advertisement during Christmas?

Strategy for Success:  

Challenge yourself to smile at everyone you come into contact with.  It may be the only smile they receive that day.

Til next time,

“Leadership comes in small acts as well as bold strokes” – Carly Fiorina