We all know the cliché, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” The first date is a prime example of this expression. As you head out on that first or second date this Valentine’s Day, remember that what you wear and how you act will speak volumes to your potential mate. Communication coach Roshini Rajkumar knows the do’s and don’ts of dating etiquette down to what you say and how you say it, wardrobe choice, and body language. Send out the right message on your first date. Follow Roshini’s advice, and you are sure to get asked out again and again!
Roshini’s Do’s and Don’ts for First Dates:
What does your outfit say about you?
Dress the way you want to be perceived. Do you want to look smart, classy, professional, conservative, fun? Choose your outfit wisely as your date will judge you accordingly.
Dress for the activity. If you’re going bowling, don’t wear a short skirt and stilettos. If you’re having a romantic dinner, jeans are most likely not appropriate.
Most importantly, make sure you are comfortable. When you are comfortable your best self will shine through.
Pay close attention to your body language. You don’t want to give an impression that isn’t accurate.
Leaning in vs. leaning out during conversation will show you are interested in the discussion and the person.
Standing with your arms folded gives the impression that you are bored. If your date thinks you are bored, the evening may go downhill very quickly.
Do not scope out other people while you are on your date. Even if the date is going nowhere, you owe it to this person to be kind throughout the evening.
Watch your choice of conversation topic.
Don’t talk just about yourself. Be sure to ask questions about the other person, and listen to his/her answers. Don’t cut them off to talk about your own experiences.
Watch your language. Don’t use profanity.
Don’t talk about your Ex. This is a big turnoff. If you are discussing your Ex on a first date, maybe you aren’t ready to start a new relationship.
Be positive. Don’t talk about yourself, an Ex or others in a negative way. You want to be perceived as an upbeat, genuine person.
Allow yourself to have fun.
Activities are great for first dates. They keep the conversation going and keep the night from getting slow.
Don’t be afraid to look silly. Play guitar hero, go mini golfing, strap on some ice skates and have a good time.
Watch the alcohol intake.
No one likes a sloppy drunk. Know your limit and stay under it!
You don’t want to do or say something you’ll regret later.
Dating should be fun! Don’t let the added pressure of Valentine’s Day sap the enjoyment out of the date. With these simple tips from Roshini the date is sure to be fun, even if the relationship doesn't take off.
Roshini Rajkumar is a speaker, communication coach, and author of Communicate That! She is a sought-after keynote speaker and commentator to local and national media on topics related to powerful communication for executives and politicians, business strategies for climbing the corporate ladder, and rehabbing celebrity images. Her background includes more than twenty-five years of public speaking and a career in television news. Roshini is also a licensed attorney.
As President of Roshini Performance Group, Roshini speaks and coaches high-profile executives and celebrities around the country on communicating powerfully within their industries and for the media. Roshini is an instructor at St. Catherine University where she teaches businesspeople at both the Leadership Institute and the Center for Sales Innovation about how to powerfully negotiate and influence. Roshini has become the go-to person for business executives, authors, athletes and politicos who want to make an impression — clients include Bridgestone Americas, Great Clips, Minnesota Vikings, Wells Fargo. Roshini also advises television news anchors and reporters as they move forward in their broadcast careers. For fun and to keep challenged, she runs with the Minnesota REDs. Visit her website at http://www.communicatethatbook.com for additional information.
Roshini has been featured on news and media outlets around the country on a number of communication and image topics related to business, politics, job interviews, celebrities, and much more. Some recent highlights include the nationally syndicated television show, Daytime, and the nationally syndicated radio show 'The Mancow Experience'. She's also a contributor to and quoted expert in numerous online and print outlets. Please see her previous appearances here: http://www.roshinigroup.com/video.html.
