The smallest cues you give off in the first moments often shape how people see you long after the conversation ends. You know that feeling when you’re meeting someone new and you can sense they’ve already formed an impression— before you’ve even finished your coffee order? First impressions happen fast. Research from Princeton psychologists Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov found that people form judgments about traits like trustworthiness in as little as 100 milliseconds. That’s barely a blink. The first five minutes of any interaction are packed with subtle cues—your body language, tone of voice, even the way you greet someone. And whether you like it or not, those cues shape how others decide who you are. Here are eight things people usually decide about you almost instantly.
1. Your confidence level
When I first started giving presentations at work, I’d nervously clutch my notes and avoid eye contact. People were polite, but afterward, someone told me I seemed “unsure of myself.” It stung—but they weren’t wrong. Confidence isn’t just about what you say; it’s how you say it. Standing tall, making steady eye contact, and speaking with a measured tone signals self-assurance. On the flip side, fidgeting or mumbling often reads as uncertainty, even if you’re completely competent. Psychologists have long noted that confidence plays a key role in impression formation. A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that nonverbal displays of confidence strongly influence whether people perceive you as a leader. It’s not about being loud or dominant—it’s about appearing grounded and comfortable in your own skin.
2. How trustworthy you seem
Trust forms quicker than most of us realise. In fact, Willis and Todorov’s research showed that judgments about trustworthiness are among the very first impressions people make. People pick up on subtle signals—your facial expressions, your tone, whether your words match your body language. A warm smile can go a long way, while avoiding eye contact or giving inconsistent cues can raise suspicion, even unconsciously. It doesn’t mean you have to force friendliness, but being present, authentic, and clear in those first moments can help people feel at ease with you right away.
3. Your social status
Here’s a question: how quickly do you think people size up where you “fit” socially? The answer is: almost immediately. Clothes, grooming, posture, and even vocabulary play a role in how people place you in the invisible hierarchy we all navigate. Psychologists call this thin slicing—the ability to make snap judgments based on limited information. Studies show that observers can accurately gauge aspects of socioeconomic status within seconds just by looking at facial cues and style of dress. That doesn’t mean you have to wear designer labels to impress. What people really notice is whether you look put-together and intentional. A clean pair of shoes or a well-chosen accessory often signals as much about your self-respect as your bank account.
4. How open or closed you are
I once met a woman at a dinner party who barely looked up from her phone when we were introduced. Within minutes, I’d decided she wasn’t interested in conversation. Later, she told me she was just shy. But by then, the impression had already landed. Body language speaks volumes, even more than words do. Crossed arms, lack of eye contact, or angled posture can all signal disinterest or defensiveness. On the other hand, leaning in slightly, keeping your arms relaxed, and showing attentiveness can make you seem more approachable. Most people don’t consciously analyze these cues—they just feel them. If you want to come across as open, small adjustments in posture and presence can make a world of difference.
5. Your level of warmth
Have you ever walked away from a new introduction and thought, “Wow, they were so easy to talk to”? That’s warmth at work. People quickly assess whether you feel inviting or distant. Smiling, nodding as someone speaks, and mirroring their tone or pace all signal friendliness. And warmth often matters as much—if not more—than competence when it comes to building strong first impressions. Harvard Business School professor Amy Cuddy has written extensively on this, noting that people primarily judge two things in first encounters: warmth and competence. If you project both, you’re more likely to be trusted and respected.
6. Your sense of humour
When I was in college, I met a guy in class who made a joke about our professor’s ancient overhead projector. It wasn’t mean-spirited, just perfectly timed. Within minutes, everyone around him warmed up, and I remember thinking, “This guy is fun.” Humour is one of the fastest ways to build connection. Even small, lighthearted comments can ease tension and signal that you don’t take yourself too seriously. Of course, humour can backfire if it’s forced or inappropriate, but when it lands, it instantly makes you more likable. People decide quickly whether they’d enjoy being around you, and humor often tips the scales in your favor.
7. How attentive you are
Have you ever been mid-conversation and realized the person you’re talking to is scanning the room instead of listening? That small behaviour leaves a lasting impression. Attentiveness is judged almost instantly. Maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking follow-up questions signal that you’re engaged. Conversely, looking distracted or checking your phone communicates that you’re not really invested in the interaction. Being present is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to shape a positive impression. People don’t just remember what you said; they remember how you made them feel in those first five minutes.
8. Whether you seem genuine
Of all the snap judgments, genuineness is the one people are most sensitive to. We’re wired to detect insincerity— forced smiles, over-the-top enthusiasm, or words that don’t match tone. Humans have a keen ability to detect authenticity through nonverbal cues—our brains pick up on subtle mismatches between facial expressions and tone almost instantly, helping us sense when someone isn’t genuine. Being genuine doesn’t mean oversharing or dropping every filter. It just means aligning your words and actions. People are drawn to consistency—it signals integrity, and integrity builds trust.
Final thoughts
First impressions aren’t destiny, but they do matter. In those first five minutes, people pick up on cues—some small, some obvious—that shape how they see you moving forward.
