Activity 24
Smash the First Impression
15–20 minutesDiscussion & reflectionCommunicationWhole groupIn personVirtualHybrid
What is this activity?
Design a short introduction that challenges assumptions people may hold about you or your role.
Preparation
Ask participants to identify a situation in which they meet someone new. Provide a two-minute introduction prompt.
How to run it
- 1Identify one or two preconceived ideas someone might have about you or your role.
- 2Think of something you could say, a story you could tell, or an action you could take to challenge those assumptions.
- 3Write a two-minute introduction incorporating that evidence.
- 4Deliver the introduction to a partner or small group.
- 5Receive structured feedback on whether the introduction changed their impression.
Example in Action
You're teaching people how to make stronger first impressions. Ask participants to imagine meeting someone who has already formed an assumption about them. For example, a young manager might be perceived as inexperienced, or a technical specialist might be seen as difficult to understand. Challenge participants to create a two-minute introduction that positively challenges those assumptions. They deliver it to a partner and receive feedback.
Make it your own
Adapt the topic, scenario or materials to suit your audience.
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