First Impressions (and Self-Awareness)
Have you ever walked away from a first meeting thinking…
“Well, that wasn’t my best showing.”
You might be surprised to hear this, but I’m not an extrovert.
Work settings? I’m good. Put me on a stage? Confident. Clear. Energized.
But social or personal situations (especially small talk) can give me anxiety, and I have to work extra hard there.
One of my now best friends loves telling the story about when we first met. We were standing on the sidelines of a baseball game making small talk… and let’s just say the talk was small.
I didn’t make a terrible first impression ...but I didn’t make a great one either. She later admitted she thought I wasn’t very personable… and worse, that I didn’t like her.
That moment was a wake-up call.
It wasn’t about changing who I am.
It was about self-awareness - understanding how I show up when I’m uncomfortable or unsure what to say.
When we don’t give people much to go on, they naturally draw their own conclusions. Silence, short answers, or nerves can be misread if we’re not aware of them.
Awareness gives us choice and choice changes outcomes.
A Few Go-To First Questions That Actually Work
You don’t need to be “on.” You just need to be intentional. Here are my top three go-to questions when I'm meeting someone new.
1. Tell me something good - I'm always up for hearing what makes someone excited!!
2. Tell me what you're up to - what’s been keeping you busy lately in a good way?
3. Tell me about where you grew up.
These questions aren’t about impressing anyone.
They’re about helping people feel comfortable, seen, and welcomed.
Here's another PRO-TIP - say their name at least 3 times while you're chatting with them. It will help you remember it and makes them feel seen (people LOVE to hear others use their name).
Let me know if YOU have any go-to first questions you like to ask when you're meeting new people - I'm always looking for those GEMS!
Keep shining - Be who you came to be - and make those first impressions sincere, full of love and the BEST version of you.
xoxo-Tara
PS. speaking of first impressions…
Before I ever take the microphone, I want the room to feel energized, connected, and ready. That’s exactly why I created my new walk-on video - to bring the energy and excitement before I ever say a word.
Because how we enter a room often matters just as much as what we say once we’re in it.
