The Ten-Second Entrance
Thirty-two ways to own the ten-second entrance, because the first moments set how people see you for the rest of the event.
The first ten seconds count. Make them calm and warm.
40 tips that really help
These ideas come from Presence (Amy Cuddy), What Every BODY Is Saying (Joe Navarro), The Definitive Book of Body Language (Allan and Barbara Pease), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
The first ten seconds count
People form an impression of you very quickly, and the first ten seconds of an entrance, a greeting or a talk set the tone for much of what follows. A calm, warm, deliberate opening is worth more than a clever middle.
Plan your first ten seconds before your next event.
Pause at the threshold
Take one breath before you enter. It slows your pace, drops your shoulders and lets you arrive instead of rushing in.
Breathe at the door.
Posture first
Lift your breastbone, let your shoulders fall and level your chin. A balanced posture signals calm and readiness.
Stack your spine.
Face second
Relax your forehead and jaw and let a soft smile appear. A warm face welcomes people before you speak.
Soften your face.
Eyes third
Look up and scan for a friendly face. Eye contact tells people you see them.
Find a friendly face.
Steps fourth
Walk at a calm pace with natural arm swing. Slightly slower than usual looks assured.
Slow your pace.
Words fifth
Greet with a warm, clear “Hello” and a name if you know it. Keep it simple.
Greet clearly.
Hands sixth
Keep your hands relaxed and visible. Offer a handshake if appropriate.
Show your hands.
The ten-second recipe
Breath, posture, face, eyes, steps, words, hands. Run through it in your mind and it becomes automatic.
Rehearse the recipe once.
Scene: a party
Pause at the door, scan for a friendly face, smile and head to the host. By second ten you are in the room and relaxed.
Practise at a low-stakes gathering.
Scene: a meeting
Walk in with your materials, give a nod and a smile, and take your seat without fuss. You look prepared.
Prepare first.
Scene: an interview
Greet reception, sit upright, breathe, and stand with a smile when called. Offer a firm, warm handshake.
Rehearse your entrance.
Scene: a presentation
Walk to your spot, pause, look at the audience, smile and begin. The pause gives you authority.
Pause before speaking.
Scene: a video call
Join early, check your frame, smile at the lens and say hello clearly. Your first ten seconds on screen matter too.
Test your frame.
Scene: a first date
Smile as you see them, make eye contact and say a warm hello. Let your body relax.
Be warm.
Scene: meeting the family
Greet each person with a look, a smile and a name. Take your time.
Be sincere.
Scene: a new job
On day one, greet people with a smile and your name. Many first impressions form in the first hour.
Be friendly.
Scene: a networking event
Look for a group with an open circle, smile and say “May I join?” Keep a relaxed stance.
Be open.
Scene: a phone call
In ten seconds, state your name, reason and ask if it is a good time. Smile as you speak.
Be clear.
Scene: an email
Your first line matters. Be warm and clear.
Start kindly.
Scene: a classroom
Arrive with a calm stance, say hello and sit where you can see. Early habits last.
Be present.
Scene: a religious or cultural event
Observe the customs, greet respectfully and follow the lead of others.
Be respectful.
Scene: a hospital visit
Enter quietly, speak softly and smile gently. Calm helps.
Be gentle.
Scene: a funeral
Walk slowly, keep a soft face and speak quietly. Respect the mood.
Be respectful.
Check your clothes
Make sure your outfit is comfortable and tidy before you enter. Fussing with clothes looks nervous.
Check in the lobby.
Check your hands
Dry and warm them for a handshake.
Prepare.
Check your breath
Fresh breath helps you feel confident. Carry mints.
Freshen up.
Check your phone
Silence it and put it away.
Put it away.
Check your name
Be ready to say it clearly, and listen for theirs.
Say it clearly.
Do not rush
Hurrying looks flustered. Slow down.
Slow down.
Do not apologise
Do not open with an apology unless you are late. Start warmly.
Start with a smile.
Do not hide
Do not hover by the wall. Step into the room.
Step in.
Do not scan anxiously
Scan slowly and kindly.
Slow your gaze.
Do not overthink
You have a recipe. Trust it.
Relax.
Practise at home
Walk into a room at home with the ten-second recipe. Repeat it.
Practise.
Practise with a friend
Ask a friend to watch your entrance and give feedback.
Ask.
Record yourself
Watch your entrance on video. Note what looks good.
Record.
Reflect
After events, note what worked in your first ten seconds.
Write a line.
Celebrate your entrance
Each good opening is a small win. Enjoy it.
Note one.
Keep the first ten seconds kind to yourself
If your entrance wobbles, you have the rest of the event to settle. A shaky start is forgotten quickly, and a warm second minute repairs a clumsy first one.
Give a warm second smile if your first moments felt stiff.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“Good evening, everyone.”
“Hello, I am so glad to be here.”
“Where would you suggest I start?”
“It is lovely to see you all.”
“Thanks for having me.”
“Great to meet you.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Pause at the door
Breathe and smile
Scan the room
Walk to a purpose
Greet the host
Join a group
Settle in
Further reading
- Presence (Amy Cuddy)
- What Every BODY Is Saying (Joe Navarro)
- The Definitive Book of Body Language (Allan and Barbara Pease)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Body Language”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Ask Instead of AssumingNext: A Handshake That Says Yes →
- Your Posture Is Your First Sentence
- Stand Tall Without Stiffness
- The Open-Shoulder Reset
- Walk Into a Room Like You Belong
- Where to Put Your Hands
- Take Up Your Fair Share of Space
- Sit Like You Mean It
- The Warm Face Habit
- Smile With Your Eyes
- What Your Face Says When You Are Nervous
- Relax Your Jaw and Your Brow
- Look Interested Without Trying Hard
- Look Confident on Video Calls
- Read a Room by Reading Faces
- Open Palms Build Trust
- Gesture Between Shoulders and Waist
- Stop Fidgeting Without Effort
- Stop Touching Your Face
- Match Your Gestures to Your Words
- Hands in Pockets: Yes or No?
- The Power of Staying Still
- Crossed Arms Do Not Always Mean No
- Spot Comfort and Discomfort
- Notice Feet and Direction
- Mirror Gently to Build Rapport
- Check Words Against Body
- Read Before You React
- Ask Instead of Assuming
- The Ten-Second Entrance
- A Handshake That Says Yes
- Dress to Feel Like Yourself
- Greet First, Smile First
- Be Fully Present With One Person
- Leave a Warm Last Impression
- Body Language in a Job Interview
- Body Language on a First Date
- Body Language on Camera
- Body Language in Groups
- Body Language When Giving Bad News
- Your Daily Presence Practice
