Discussion Questions – First Impressions
Discuss the following questions in a group or write your responses:
1. Do you think first impressions are always correct? Why or why not?
2. How can someone improve the way they present themselves in a job interview?
3. Have you ever misjudged someone based on your first impression? What happened?
4. Why do you think some people form snap judgments quickly, while others take longer?
5. In what situations do you think first impressions are least important?
Vocabulary – Meaning & Usage
Match each word with its correct meaning:
1. Instincts
2. Consciously
3. Assumption
4. Reliable
5. Effective
6. Snap judgment
a) A quick decision made without much thought
b) A belief that something is true without proof
c) Trustworthy and dependable
d) Natural feelings or intuition
e) Doing something with awareness and intention
f) Producing the desired result
Proverbs and Their Meanings
Decide if the following proverbs suggest that first impressions are accurate (A) or not accurate
(N):
1. "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
2. "Still waters run deep."
3. "A person is known by the company they keep."
4. "Clothes don’t make the man."
5. "If something looks too good to be true, it probably is."
Explain your reasoning for one of the proverbs.
Vocabulary Challenge: Spot the Wrong Word & Correct It
Each sentence below has one incorrect word. Find the mistake and replace it with the correct
word.
1. She made a conscious decision to wake up late every day.
(Wrong word: conscious) → (Correct word: **________**)
2. His explanation was so mind-boggling that everyone understood it easily.
(Wrong word: mind-boggling) → (Correct word: **________**)
3. I always try to make reliable judgments about people within seconds.
(Wrong word: reliable) → (Correct word: **________**)
4. The professor gave an assumption on how to improve our presentation skills.
(Wrong word: assumption) → (Correct word: **________**)
5. You should always trust your samples when making important decisions.
(Wrong word: samples) → (Correct word: **________**
2️⃣ Phrasal Verbs & Expressions: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct phrasal verb or expression:
1. It’s important to ______ people up before deciding if you trust them.
2. Your first few words in a conversation can ______ the tone for how it goes.
3. She managed to ______ a good impression during the interview.
4. His confidence and skills helped him get the ______ hand over other candidates.
5. He was able to ______ up on the interviewer’s mood and responded accordingly.
(Possible answers: pick up on, size, set, make, upper)
3️⃣ Proverbs: Match the Meanings
Match each proverb with its meaning:
Proverb
Meaning
1. "Actions speak louder than words."
a. People make quick judgments based on
appearance.
2. "Don't judge a book by its cover."
b. How you behave matters more than what
you say.
3. "First impressions last."
c. Be careful because people remember first
impressions.
4. "If something seems too good to be true, it
probably is."
d. Be cautious; things that seem perfect might
not be real.
4️⃣ Short Answer Questions: Understanding Key Ideas
1. What is the best way to prepare for a job interview? (Give at least two tips.)
2. Why is body language important when meeting someone new?
3. What does "making a snap judgment" mean? Is it always bad? Why or why not?
4. What does "err on the conservative side" mean? How can it be applied to job
interviews?
5. How can changing someone's mind be useful in professional settings?
Extra phrases covered so far:
Pick up on (to notice something, especially something subtle)
o
o
Size people up (to form an opinion about someone after meeting them)
o
Set the tone (to establish the mood or character of a situation)
o
Make a good impression (to cause a positive effect on someone)
o
Change someone's mind (to convince someone to think differently)
o
Get the impression (to have an idea or belief about something)
o
Judge a book by its cover (to form an opinion about someone based on their
appearance, often unfairly)
Agree with (to have the same opinion as someone)
o
Come off as (to seem to have a particular quality)
o
Put people off (to cause someone to dislike or be less interested in you)
o
Give off (to emit a certain quality or impression)
o
I once met someone who seemed very serious and strict at first
2. Inference – A conclusion based on clues, not direct statements.
3. Firmly – Strongly, with confidence.
4. Polite – Showing good manners, being respectful.
5. Relaxed – Feeling calm and comfortable.
6. Trust your instincts." → (Follow your feelings.)
7. "Make a snap judgment." → (Decide quickly.)
8. "That was an effective way to learn." → (It worked well.)
9. "I made a conscious effort to improve." → (I tried on purpose.)
10. "She is an expert in this field." → (She knows a lot about it.)
Trust your instincts → Believe in your natural feelings or gut reaction.
▪
First impressions matter → The way people see you at first is important.
▪
Snap judgments can be dangerous → Deciding too quickly can cause
mistakes.
▪
Think before you act → Don’t rush into decisions; take time to consider.
▪
Confident and friendly / Shy and nervous → Describes how people
behave when meeting others.
▪
Looks can be deceiving → Sometimes, what we see is not the truth.
▪
You never get a second chance to make a first impression → Your first
impression is the most important, and you can’t change it easily.
▪
A strong handshake shows confidence → A firm handshake makes you
seem strong and sure of yourself.
▪
Dress for success → Wearing the right clothes helps you make a good
impression.
▪
Be on point with your answers → Give correct and relevant answers.
▪
Confidence is key → Being confident is the most important thing.
o