In our last edition, we focused on Building a Strong Professional Presence, highlighting how posture, poise, and authenticity build authority in the training room. But before presence can speak, impressions are already forming. In this edition, we explore the fascinating and often overlooked force shaping your training sessions from the very first moment – the psychology of first impressions.
First impressions are not just fast – they’re sticky. Research suggests it takes mere seconds for learners to form an opinion about you. Those initial judgements colour how they interpret everything that follows – your tone, your content, even your credibility. As trainers, we need to be deliberate, self-aware, and purposeful about how we start.
Why First Impressions Matter in Training
- They shape credibility – Learners form a sense of your competence, warmth, and authority almost instantly.
- They affect engagement – A confident, relatable opening makes learners more receptive and ready to participate.
- They frame expectations – Your introduction sets the tone for the session’s energy, flow, and focus.
- They’re hard to reverse – Once formed, first impressions are difficult to change, even with strong content.
What Shapes a First Impression?
- Appearance
- Dress appropriately for the audience and context. Clean, intentional attire shows respect and readiness.
- Body Language
- Enter the room with grounded posture and a calm, confident presence. Avoid rushed movements or nervous gestures.
- Facial Expression and Eye Contact
- A genuine smile and warm eye contact create approachability and trust.
- Voice and Pace
- Speak clearly, with varied tone and measured pace. Avoid rushing through your welcome.
- Opening Words
- Your first 30 seconds matter. Start with something meaningful – a relevant story, a bold question, or a learner-focused statement.
Crafting an Impactful Training Introduction
Use the S.C.O.R.E. framework to craft your opening:
- S – Set the Scene – Welcome learners and orient them to the session.
- C – Connect Personally – Share a story or relevant experience.
- O – Outline the Objectives – Let learners know what they’ll gain.
- R – Reinforce Relevance – Explain why it matters to their role.
- E – Establish Engagement – Ask a question or start a short activity.
Real-World Example: The Forgettable vs. the Memorable Opening
Forgettable: “Hi, I’m your trainer. We’ll be covering leadership today. Let’s start with slide one.”
Memorable: “Before we start, I want you to think about the best leader you’ve ever worked with. What made them great? That’s exactly what we’ll unpack today – and you’ll walk out with tools to lead like that too.”
The second example does more than inform – it engages, connects, and sets purpose.
Practical Exercise: Rehearse Your First Two Minutes
- Record yourself delivering your training introduction.
- Evaluate your voice, pace, eye contact, and presence.
- Ask: “Would I trust and want to learn from this person?”
- Refine and rehearse until your introduction feels natural, warm, and confident.
Next Edition: Structuring an Effective Training Session Opening
Making a strong first impression sets the stage – but how do you build on that foundation? In our next edition, we’ll explore how to structure your entire session opening to build clarity, momentum, and connection.
Are You Ready to Make Every First Moment Count?
The Elevate Programme prepares trainers to make strong starts, lead with confidence, and deliver unforgettable sessions. Contact us today to refine your introduction and transform your training impact.
Until next time – open strong, lead with purpose, and leave a lasting impression.
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