Opening Lines That Can Spark an Instant Connection

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Have you ever met someone and felt an instant connection? If you have, consider what created the chemistry. We all recognize the power of first impressions and how to maximize impact through what we wear, what we say, and how we say it.

First and foremost, making the best first impression is not about you but about your audience and how you make them feel. Anyone can dress the part, but cultivating chemistry on the first meeting, from business to romance, also starts with what you say.

Serve Dessert First

An opening line can be pithy yet powerful. A serving of positive reinforcement before substantive conversation increases liking, perceived approachability, and receptivity. The other person may not even recognize why they respond positively to you, but they will. And they will remember you. Fondly. Many powerful opening lines deliver recognition and respect for what others value most, themselves.

Praising Others

Chenwei Li et al. (2022), within the context of organizational behavior, found that team leaders' gratitude trait enhances the team's innovation.ⁱ Specifically drawing on the other‐praising perspective of gratitude, they accurately predicted that leaders with trait gratitude are more likely to demonstrate humble behavior, which “promotes team voice and ultimately enhances team innovation.”

The expression of gratitude is important on an individual basis as well. This is especially true in a world where most people are busy and distracted, trying to communicate while holding a phone in one hand effectively and a copy of coffee in the other. When they approach someone to make a purchase or ask a question, they usually get right down to business. Instead, add value to your transaction by beginning with a statement of appreciation: “Thank you for helping me. I can see how busy you are,” “Bless you for working on a holiday,” or “I hope your day is off to a great start.”

Acknowledge Effort and Expression

Everyone wants to feel validated and valued, appreciated, and acknowledged. One of the biggest complaints people make, personally and professionally, is that they feel discounted and disrespected, despite their hard work and valiant effort. Acknowledging effort early and often creates a sense of value and importance that they will then internalize in the way they feel about you.

When you finally get to the front of a long line at a store, theater, sporting event, or any other venue that is sorely understaffed, consider the impact of recognizing the brave employee serving the masses with calm competence: “You certainly have your work cut out for you, thank you for your patience and professionalism.” Or the security detail watching over a large-scale meeting or event: “You are doing a great job juggling this crowd. Thank you for protecting us.”

Personally, you can create rapport through complimenting expressive communication. Noting how lovingly a mother interacts with her children or how relaxed a 50-year-married couple appears together will distinguish you as someone who comes across as interested and attentive.

In all circumstances, assuming opening lines are delivered with sincerity and authenticity, advance preparation can facilitate instant chemistry and connection.

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