You hear often: first impressions are very important. This universal expression feels like a death sentence when all-important first impressions are messed up. Whether it's your first impression representing a company to land a very large order or to get a date to see you again, you can make up for a failed first shot. It's not easy, but it can be fixed after making an unimpressive first impression.
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Part 1 of 3: Rise Up Pascale Ridiculous Joke
Step 1. Don't punish yourself
Everyone makes mistakes, and, at some point in life, everyone doesn't say or act as planned. Don't make the problem bigger. Don't get hung up on it physically or mentally. Everyone has made mistakes in social interaction. If you continue to regret these small mistakes, you are actually making things worse.
If you're the kind of person who likes to exaggerate small mistakes, forgive yourself for messing up first impressions. Maybe this phrase can help if you say it to yourself over and over again: “You are only human. You're only human."
Step 2. Show a sense of humor that laughs at yourself
When things get awkward after you've cracked a joke, say something like "that's funny to me!" or "wow, that's not funny at all". Expressions like that show you understand their response and know that you've made the wrong joke.
Short phrases that make you laugh at yourself show that you're not serious when you say them. Make sure you don't bring it up again and spend time humbling yourself to impress others
Step 3. Get up
As soon as possible, change the topic. Don't let your mistakes dominate the conversation, which will only make you more depressed. When the conversation rolls on, do your best to engage, ask questions and express opinions. Make a more serious move during the rest of the meeting that shows you're not kidding.
There are several surefire ways to change the subject. In this case, going back to the original topic can help. Whatever the initial topic before your non-funny joke is, it brings everyone back. Say something like "So you were telling me about your parents…" or "I can't believe the company made that much profit this year. Extraordinary!"
Step 4. Wait a while before you joke again
Telling jokes when you're with new people can work or fail. Take the time to observe the character of each person or the culture of the office in which you work. If someone is cracking silly jokes, you can join them in telling a silly joke or two without worrying. Just make sure that vulgar pictures or jokes are only for close friends.
Part 2 of 3: Accidental Post-Error Recovery
Step 1. Admit mistakes humbly and with an apology
While you may want to hide behind a bench, the other person will feel more offended if you act as if nothing happened. Admitting false assumptions or biased statements takes courage. Admitting mistakes can restore your good image.
Calmly admit mistakes with phrases like “That's just my opinion. Forgive me for being so narrow-minded.” Then, sincerely solicit feedback from others. "Would you please give your opinion about X?"
Step 2. Avoid judging or changing what has been said
This can add to the problem. Sometimes, when people realize they've offended someone, they immediately jump into a defensive line like "Oh, that's not what I meant!" In fact, you wouldn't say that if you didn't mean it. So, don't say things like that because it will seem hypocritical as you move from one position to another based on the type of people around you.
Step 3. Don't over-apologise
It's important to admit mistakes and apologize, but there's no need to apologize over and over again. Doing so can make people feel awkward in the sense of making them calm you down instead of the other way around.
A short apology could be something like “Oh, sorry I offended you. My knowledge of this is very limited. Can you explain it to me from your point of view?” This way an apology is delivered while also giving the other person an opportunity to share knowledge – and people see you as a human being who can make mistakes but can admit it
Step 4. Make room for others, if possible
This signals to others that you are aware of your mistakes and gives them – and yourself – time to cool off. Ask permission to step aside and get a drink or go to the restroom. Take a deep breath and exhale with your embarrassment or anxiety. Remember that you may be blowing things up a bit more than other people, so when you return, be calm and competent.
Stepping aside isn't always possible, especially during a presentation or job interview. If so, go ahead and switch the conversation to a lighter topic. Ask questions about the position you are applying for, or let the person explain the concept to you
Part 3 of 3: Self Preparation
Step 1. Be humble
If you mention someone's bad side during the first meeting, it's very hard to be humble. Generally people find it difficult to control themselves when nervous or lack confidence. Tell this person. However, don't fall into the trap of pretending you're making a defense. The good news is, that person has been in your shoes at times; they will understand your reasoning.
Step 2. Try the pivot technique
Sometimes mistakes are less obvious and there's no need to apologize for what you said or did. In this case, it is best to display pivot behavior to counteract the impolite behavior.
- If your shyness is seen as disrespectful, make an effort to smile more often, start conversations, and ask other people questions. To others, this doesn't appear to be the behavior of pivot. They will assume they have judged you too early and accept it as a new form of interaction with you.
- On the other hand, if you want to avoid causing trouble and you're upsetting other people, correct your behavior immediately. It may be necessary to pause for a moment and not comment on any statements, preferably nod, smile and listen more. This method is also suitable for handling requests for interruptions which in some cases are seen as disrespectful. Admit your mistake by saying “sorry for the interruption” and make sure to wait your turn next time and listen to the other person's conversation until it's finished.
Step 3. Don't pretend to be someone else
Pretending in social circles occurs when you first meet because people are arrogant. Be yourself when you meet other people. Or, better yet, be the best of yourself. If you don't like speaking in front of a crowd, don't take on the task of leading a presentation. This method will create a bad and wrong impression.
Instead, highlight your abilities. If you are an organizer, you can volunteer to prepare presentation sheets or research complex ideas that require explanation. You won't be the center of attention in a presentation, but will be recognized as an organizer, or knowledgeable person to answer complex questions
Step 4. Ask for help
Some people feel free to ask for help. If the person you want to ask for help is someone you've ever disappointed, doing so will be even more difficult. You may think the person is unwilling to help, leaving you feeling humiliated and rejected. However, still ask for help.
- Ask for suggestions for a manual or explain a concept.
- Research shows people prefer to help those who ask for help.
- What's more, when you ask for help from someone you've ever disappointed, you not only have the opportunity to understand them better, but also make them feel competent. People will be flattered by your request and they may change their opinion about you.
