More Than Words Lesson Plan More Than Words
Lesson Plan: First Impressions
Duration 45 min
Audience
10th Grade Students
Approach
Interactive & Practical
Subject
Social & Communication Skills
WHY THIS MATTERS
First impressions are crucial in many real-life scenarios, from job interviews to meeting new people. Understanding how to make a positive first impression empowers students to navigate these situations successfully and confidently.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Students will be able to identify and explain three key components of a positive first impression, including verbal and non-verbal cues.
TEACHER PREPARATION
Time Required
15 Minutes
Key Tasks
Review all lesson materials
Make copies of the "Do's and Don'ts" worksheet
Test slide deck display
INSTRUCTIONAL SEQUENCE
10m
Warm-Up: The Power of First Impressions
Display the Warm-Up: What Do They See? slide deck.
Engage students in a discussion about initial reactions. Ask: "What makes you form an opinion about someone quickly?"
Introduce the concept of first impressions and the lesson objective.
5m
Vocabulary Spotlight: Key Terms
Introduce the First Impressions Vocabulary reading.
Review the five key terms (Verbal Cues, Non-Verbal Cues, Confidence, Enthusiasm, Professionalism).
10m
Activity: Analyzing Body Language
Distribute the First Impressions Do's and Don'ts worksheet.
Guide students through the scenarios, discussing the impact of specific cues.
Facilitate a class discussion for sharing insights.
15m
Practice: 30-Second Elevator Pitch
Explain the purpose of an elevator pitch (30-second introduction).
Students choose a scenario and draft bullet points.
Peer practice: students deliver pitches and provide feedback on confidence and non-verbal cues.
5m
Exit Ticket: Self-Assessment
Distribute My Impression Checklist .
Students reflect on their skills and identify one area for improvement.
Collect as they leave the room.
Warm Up Slides First Impressions
What comes to mind when you hear "first impressions"?
Intro Question
? What Do They See?
Look at these scenarios. What do you notice first?
A student presenting
A job interview
Meeting new friends
Presenter
Interviewee
New Group
Profile Photo
What impressions do these people give you?
More Than Just Looks
Body Language
Eye Contact
Tone of Voice
Confidence
Our Goal
Learn to identify and explain key components of a positive first impression.
Why master this?
School Success
Future Career
Everyday Life
Key Terms
Verbal Cues Messages sent through words, tone, and speech clarity.
Non-Verbal Body language, eye contact, and gestures.
Confidence Self-assurance in one's abilities.
Enthusiasm Showing strong interest or enjoyment.
Professionalism Acting with competence and skill in formal settings.
More Than Words Teacher Script More Than Words
Facilitator Instructional Script
Introduction & Warm-Up (10 min)
SAY
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to dive into something incredibly powerful that impacts our daily lives, often without us even realizing it: first impressions."
DO
Display Warm-Up Slides - Slide 1.
SAY
"Let's start by looking at our screen. What comes to mind when you hear the phrase 'first impressions'? Take a moment to think about it. Can anyone share what factors influence your very first opinion of someone you meet? What do you notice first about people?"
DO
Allow 2-3 student responses. Then display Slide 2 (Images).
SAY
"Great points! Now, let's look at these images. What impressions do these people give you? What do you notice first about their appearance, their posture, or their expressions?"
Vocabulary Spotlight (5 min)
SAY
"Before we go further, let's make sure we're all on the same page with some important vocabulary. I'm going to introduce five terms that will help us discuss first impressions more effectively."
PROMPT FOR CLASS:
Verbal Cues: Messages sent through words, tone, and speech clarity.Non-Verbal Cues: Messages sent without words (body language, eye contact, gestures).Confidence: Self-assurance in one's abilities.Enthusiasm: Showing strong interest or enjoyment.Professionalism: Behaving with competence and skill.
Activity: Analyzing Impressions (10 min)
DO
Distribute the First Impressions: Do's and Don'ts worksheet.
SAY
"Now, let's put our observation skills to the test. Take a few minutes to read through the scenarios in Part 1. Think about what kind of impression is being made and what could be done differently."
Interactive: Elevator Pitch (15 min)
SAY
"An elevator pitch is a quick, persuasive way to introduce yourself in about 30 seconds. Imagine you're in an elevator with someone important! It's a fantastic way to make a great first impression."
TEACHER TIP:
Circulate while students practice. Listen for clarity and look for eye contact. Provide brief "on-the-spot" coaching.
First Impressions Worksheet First Impressions
Do's and Don'ts Analysis
Name:
Date:
PART 1
Scenario Analysis
Read each scenario below and analyze how verbal and non-verbal cues contribute to a first impression.
Scenario 1: The Group Project
You are starting a new group project in English class. One of your group members, Alex, arrives late, slumps in their chair, avoids eye contact, and quietly says, "Whatever you guys want to do is fine."
1. What kind of first impression does Alex make on the group?
2. What non-verbal cues did Alex display that contributed to this impression?
3. What verbal cues did Alex use?
4. If Alex wanted to make a more positive first impression, what could they have done differently?
Scenario 2: The School Assembly
You are introducing a guest speaker at a school assembly. As you walk to the podium, you trip slightly but quickly recover. You then make eye contact with the audience, smile, and introduce the speaker with enthusiasm and a clear voice.
1. What kind of first impression do you make on the audience?
2. Despite the small mishap, what specific cues helped you make a positive impression?
3. How important is "recovery" from small errors in making a good impression? Why?
PART 2
Do's and Don'ts Chart
Aspect Do (Positive) Don't (Negative) Appearance Body Language Verbal Cues Eye Contact Confidence
First Impressions Vocabulary Reading Key Terms
Decoding First Impressions
To understand how we impact others in the first few seconds of meeting, we need to master these five essential concepts .
1
Verbal Cues
The messages we send through the words we choose, our tone of voice, and how clearly we speak . This includes your vocabulary, volume, and how fast or slow you talk.
Example: Using "please" and "thank you" or speaking with a warm, steady volume.
2
Non-Verbal Cues
The messages we send without speaking . This is often called "body language" and includes your facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact.
Example: Standing tall instead of slouching, or nodding while someone else is talking.
3
Confidence
A feeling of self-assurance arising from your own abilities or qualities. When you project confidence, you show others that you trust yourself and are comfortable in the situation.
Example: Offering a firm handshake and looking people in the eye.
4
Enthusiasm
Intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval . Showing that you are genuinely happy to be somewhere or excited to meet someone makes you more approachable.
Example: Smiling when introduced to someone new or asking interested questions.
5
Professionalism
Behaving with competence and skill , especially in a formal setting. It involves being respectful, responsible, and prepared for the context you are in.
Example: Arriving on time and wearing clothes appropriate for the occasion (like a uniform or interview attire).
Elevator Pitch Activity 30-Second Pitch
First Impression Challenge
Target Time :30
What is it?
An "elevator pitch" is a brief, persuasive speech used to introduce yourself, your ideas, or your skills in the time it takes for an elevator ride.
Key Goals:
Capture attention quickly
Project confidence
Communicate clearly
Make them want to know more
1 Choose Your Scenario
Scenario A: Career Fair
Meet a representative from a company you admire.
Scenario B: New Teacher
Introduce yourself to a teacher on the first day of class.
Scenario C: New Student
Meeting a new peer and describing your favorite club.
2 Pitch Draft
COMPONENTS TO INCLUDE:
Who are you? (Name)
What are you passionate about?
Why is it interesting?
3 Partner Feedback
Strengths
Growth Area
EYE CONTACT
CLARITY
NON-VERBALS
My Impression Checklist Cool Down My Impression Checklist
Exit Ticket / Cool-Down
Name:
Date:
Reflect on today's lesson about first impressions. Answer the following questions honestly to assess your understanding and personal growth.
1
List three key components of a positive first impression that we discussed today.
A.
B.
C.
2
What is one verbal cue you use well?
3
What is one non-verbal cue to improve?
4
Why do you think first impressions are important in real-life situations?
5
How confident do you feel about making a positive impression after today?
1
Not Confident
2
3
4
5
Very Confident
Thank you for your thoughtful responses!
