The document emphasizes the importance of first impressions in communicating your brand, focusing on how appearance, tone, and body language impact perception. It offers tips for effective introductions, highlighting the need to be authentic, brief, and considerate of others in your approach. Additionally, it advises on crafting an engaging elevator pitch that connects with the audience, either by addressing their needs or sharing personal passion.

1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Communicating your brand in a flash
by René Shimada Siegel
SLIDESHARE BY ARIANNA CHOPELAS

2. First impressions aren’t
determined by what you
say—but HOW you say it.
What people see and
how you make them feel
can mean more than the
words you say.

3. Think about what
someone SEES
when they look you
for the first time.

4. Are YOU smiling with eye contact? Standing up
straight? Wearing a colorful shirt that plays up your
natural features? Keeping it classy?

5. Next, think about how you make people FEEL.

6. Pay ATTENTION to your tone of voice, breathing,
pauses, energy level. And especially your physical
proximity—no one likes a creeper!

7. Remember: what
someone HEARS
isn’t always the
same as what you
think you said.
Think about your
words.

8. Last, AVOID using
jargon and let your
passion and
confidence shine.

9. When you meet someone for the first
time, you don’t need to do a formal
ELEVATOR pitch. Here’s some stuff to
keep in mind:
1. Pause. Ask, “who are you speaking with?”
2. Be yourself
3. Be brief
4. Be different
5. Be curious

10. An elevator pitch should sum up what you do and
who you are. And if you want to really CONNECT
with people, make it about them or about you.

11. OPTION ONE: Make it about them
(external)
“Do you know anyone who struggles with
(productivity, cancer, etc.)? Me too, that’s why I
do _______.” Explain their problem/solution in
plain English.

12. OPTION TWO: Make it about you
(internal)
Try this on for size: “Ever since ___, I’ve been
crazy about ____. I’m totally fanatical about __
because ____.” Elaborate with your story, and
then follow with your ask.

13. You can be an epic
communicator. SHARE
your message clearly,
concisely and with
great passion. Always
tell your story and
embrace what makes
you different!

14. So, there you have it—
how to make a great
FIRST impression.
Keep these things in
mind when you’re
meeting new contacts,
prospects and friends.

15. Epic COMMUNICATOR? That’s you.