12 gestures that make you make a bad impression on others

Researchers have found that first impressions are made in seven seconds. If you are interviewing for a job, a manager can decide whether to hire you in just half a minute. Avoiding these common mistakes can increase your chances of finding a job, making friends, gaining clients, or choosing a spouse:

A superficial handshake

Weak handshakes are a turn-off on first meetings. Research shows that people who give this handshake are perceived as more reserved, anxious, less open, and less competent. Another common mistake people make is holding someone’s hand for too long. If you want to make a good impression, hold it firmly for two seconds.

Hand in the wrong place

Be mindful of where you place your hands when you sit. You can rest them on your lap, but don’t put them in your pockets, as this can suggest you’re hiding something. If you do place your hands on the table, don’t clasp them too tightly or place them palms down, as this suggests you want to control the other person.

Additionally, while placing your hands on the table and making a light fist may be a proper gesture in the West, it is considered rude in Japan and India.

Chewing gum

If someone sees you chewing gum for the first time, they may think you are immature and childish. This is especially true in a job interview. However, in less formal settings, gum chewers are often seen as friendly and approachable.

Avoid eye contact

Looking someone in the eye can make a positive first impression. Research shows that people who maintain eye contact while speaking and listening are perceived as confident and intelligent. Conversely, people who avoid eye contact are seen as insincere, unattractive, and anxious.

hair playing

Playing with hair can send the wrong signals to the person you are talking to. Although used as a flirting technique, this gesture can also indicate anxiety, lack of confidence, stress, and discomfort. When playing with hair becomes repetitive and obsessive, it can be a sign of a mental disorder.

Talking about inappropriate topics

There are some taboo topics to avoid when first meeting: health problems, money, religion, old bosses or lovers, politics, or personal problems. Try not to focus on talking about yourself and forget to listen to the other person.

Too casual

It is important to maintain a safe distance from people you have just met, and according to researchers, this should be between 1.2 and 3.6 meters. If you get too close to someone, you may be seen as impolite or rude, while standing too far away shows that you are not interested in them.

Make annoying noises

Any sound you make, whether it’s tapping your foot, tapping your hand on the table, or cracking your knuckles, can be annoying and distracting. Tapping signals stress, anxiety, or impatience, and can also indicate that you’re lying or trying to upset someone. Although knuckle cracking can help relieve stress, it’s one of the most annoying sounds people make, according to a survey fromThe New York Times.

Constantly looking at phone or watch

It’s rude to stare at your screen during a conversation. It shows that you’re not paying attention to the other person or that you’re bored. Research shows that even having your phone on the table near you reduces the quality and focus of the conversation.

Forgot name

It's embarrassing to forget the name of someone you've just met, especially if they remember yours. To avoid this, immediately say the other person's name after they've introduced themselves, like, "Hi Anna, nice to meet you." Don't use the excuse that you have a terrible memory for names, because if you care about the other person, you'll remember them naturally.

Late

When you arrive late, you come across as untrustworthy, disorganized, and unconcerned about other people's time, and as someone who breaks promises. Trying to manage your time will help you avoid worrying about being late and feeling rushed. Even if you arrive on time, rushing to get there will not really help you focus on the meeting.

Inappropriate clothing

Statistics show that 55% of first impressions are based on appearance. Some studies show that appearance, weight, height, hair color, and the amount of makeup you wear can influence how much you are paid. If you are meeting someone for the first time, choose smart, neutral clothing and avoid wearing strong perfume.