How to make a good first impression without saying a word

The Handshake
It’s surprising the number of people who don’t know how to execute a firm handshake.  A good “deal-closing” handshake is a total body experience: look the other person in the eye and stand facing them straight on with your shoulders square to theirs.  A single firm pump is all that’s needed before release.  The idea is to make contact and establish trust, not to shake their arm off. 

The Style
As important as body language is, clothes also make a world of a difference.  Many people disdain the traditional “expensive suit”, thinking that they can make a better impression by “going their own way”.  However, there is something ingrained in the cultural consciousness that makes a nicely tailored, conservative suit appeal to us. 

The Look
Eye contact is a grey area where it’s easy to go wrong.  Don’t meet someone’s eyes at all and you risk making any contact; stare at them too much and they’ll become uncomfortable.  The secret is to maintain a comfortable gaze that isn’t too direct for the most parts of your talk, and then when you are ready to drive an important point home, turn on the direct, penetrating look. 

The Posture
Posture is another element that is easy to overdo.  A rigid posture will make you seem very uncomfortable, but if you’re too relaxed you’ll come across as sloppy.  The secret is to think of a cat; even when a cat’s at rest, it gives the impression of coiled tension.  The impression you should send out is one of relaxed self-confidence. 

The Face
The idea isn’t to repress all emotion, but to control which emotions you display.  Learning to laugh and be open when appropriate, and when to play it reserved is critical.  Use openness to establish rapport and lead the meeting the way you desire, and use reservation to keep things under your control without giving much away.