] name °READ THE PASSAGE ‘As you read, underline information in the passage that ints at the passage’s theme. Putting Your Best Foot Forward People often think about the importance of making a good first impression at a job interview, but you a also make an impression any time you meet someone new. Whether the context is making now friends at e school or meeting new co-workers on the job, you can take purposetl, positive steps to make sure that the frst impression you make is your best e! Although it may sound like a contradiction, one of the best ways to make @ good impression Is to focus | on the other person, not yourself. Show that you are interested in a new person by asking him or her questions and listening to the responses carefully. Repeating someone's name when you first meet is a good way to show that you are paying attention, and it can also holp you remember the person's name later. Try not to toll long stories about yourself right away. Even your most amusing stories can fall at if you have not gained someone's respect frst. Itis important to be yourself and act naturally when you meet someone forthe frst time, but you should also try to present your best side. Be positive and energetto; whining or complaining right away can make you seem negative, Do not push yourself to be funny or entertaining, Straining to tell a funny joke may come across as desperate, and some humor, such as sarcasm, can turn people off How you physically appear can be as important as what you say. You do not have to look perfect, just clean. Pay attention to your grooming, and think about what your clothes say about you when deciding what to wear. Your body language is equally important, Slouching or crossing your arms in front of you can make you seem uninterested or insecure. Stand straight, look people in the eye, and do not forget to smile. SKILL PRACTICE Read cach question. Fill in the bubble next to the correct answer. 1, The key to making a good first impression is to ® present the best part of yourself ® draw attention away from yourself © act positive and funny at all times © speak with your body, not with words 2. Which of the following strategies would best help someone make a good impression? @® telling a long, personal story ® using sarcasm to show cleverness © asking questions about the other person © trying to imitate the person being met STRATEGY PRACTICE 3. Which best describes the passage’s overall theme? ® Impressions are important at a job interview. © Impressions are based on appearance and personality. © Impressions are easily overcome once you get to know someone. © Tomake a good impression, you have to act a certain way. 4, The author discourages complaining when you ‘meet someone for the first time because it. ® sends a strong, energetic message © islikely to seem sarcastic © reflects a lack of attention to others © canmake you seem negative Imagine you are joining a club or team. Visualize and describe the first time you meet. © Evan-Moor Corp. * EMC $458 + Dally Reading Comprahension 67