There’s nothing more stressful than meeting someone for the first time, whether personally or professionally. To reduce panic among your interlocutor during your first meeting, follow these simple but effective tips.
5 Points to Reduce Tensions During a First Meeting
1. Create a comfortable environment
Make sure your interviewer is comfortable from the start of the meeting. As a host or hostess, you can offer a cup of coffee or offer cold water. Make sure the meeting place is clean and tidy, with no unnecessary distractions to allow him to concentrate on the conversation.
2. Make a Personal Connection
Take the time to get to know your interviewer on a personal level to build a meaningful connection. Ask about his family, hobbies or interests. Spend time listening carefully to their responses and asking follow-up questions. This will help break the ice and create a connection that will make the conversation easier.
3. Keep a professional approach
Although you need to create a personal connection, keep it professional. Avoid overly intimate conversations or controversial topics that could cause discomfort. Respect boundaries and keep a neutral tone to avoid tension.
4. Be honest and transparent
If you want your interviewer to be relaxed and comfortable, you need to be honest and transparent from the start. Explain the reasons for the meeting and the objectives you wish to achieve in a clear and concise manner. This will help avoid misunderstandings and create an atmosphere of trust.
5. Use breathing techniques
If your conversation partner seems particularly stressed or anxious, breathing techniques can help calm them down. Encourage him to take big, deep breaths to lower his blood pressure and increase his oxygen levels. This will help him calm down and focus on the conversation.
Why is it important not to panic?
When you are nervous, your body produces adrenaline, a hormone that can cause a surge of stress in the other person. This can make them feel uncomfortable, ununderstood or intimidated, which can make it difficult to establish a productive working relationship. However, if you can help ease that panic, you will be in a better position to build a positive relationship with the person you’re talking to.
Conclusion & Opinion
Reducing panic in your interviewer during the first meeting may seem difficult, but it can be easily overcome by following these simple tips. Creating a comfortable environment and establishing a personal connection can help break the ice, while keeping a professional approach and being honest and transparent can create an atmosphere of trust. Finally, using breathing techniques can help calm people who are particularly anxious. With these methods, you can be sure to create a positive and successful first meeting.
