Here are 7 reasons people fail at making a great first impression in 2025 (including a lack of charisma, of course):
1. Dead-Fish Energy
If your presence is as exciting as a loading screen, people will forget you fast. No warmth, no enthusiasm, no engagement = a truly bad first impression. Honestly trust me they will remember this!
2. Overloading on AI Responses
Overusing AI-generated small talk makes you sound robotic. If your conversation sounds like ChatGPT wrote it, people will tune out. Usually in the Uk we have two lines – how are you and how was the weekend?!. Go further with better questions like what are you working on today?
3. Lack of Charisma
You can be smart and skilled, but if you don’t have that mix of confidence, energy, and connection, people won’t feel drawn to you. Charisma isn’t magic—it’s a skill. Come and stay with me for longer and I can show you how.
4. Weak Handshake (or Worse, the ‘Fishhook’)
In 2025, handshakes are back – thank the lord! (virtual fist bumps didn’t stick), but too weak feels insecure, and too strong feels aggressive. The worst? The ‘Fishhook’—shaking only the fingertips like you’re scared of germs.
5. No Eye Contact, No Presence
Looking at your phone or avoiding eye contact signals perhaps some low confidence or low interest in me and we feel that from you. In a world of digital distraction, being fully present is a rare (and attractive) skill. We have to make that person feel like they are genuinely the most important person of your day.
6. Forgetting Names Instantly
Nothing kills a first impression like “Sorry, what was your name again?” five seconds after they say it. Repeat it once, use it in conversation, and lock it in somehow in your brain. People feel like you have made a sincere effort when you remember them.
7. Trying Too Hard to Impress
Flexing your job title, your list of achievements or money, too soon? Yes, to be fair is a little cringe. People connect with who you are, not what you’ve done. Focus on being interesting, not impressive.
Want to stand out in 2025? Be engaged, be present, and bring some natural charisma.