We all size up new people within moments. In fact, research shows that first impressions form almost instantaneously Within a few seconds of meeting, your brain is already picking up cues about a person’s character. But how accurate are these snap judgments, and what should you look for in those first ten seconds? Here are some psychology-backed clues to help you read someone’s personality quickly – just remember that first impressions are only a starting point.
The Science of First Impressions
Psychologists have found that even a brief, few-second observation can yield surprisingly accurate impressions of someone’s personality
One famous experiment showed that seeing a 5-second video clip of a stranger allowed people to assess certain traits almost as well as those who interacted with the person for much longer And a Princeton study found that we judge traits like trustworthiness after only a tenth of a second glance In other words, our brains grab a lot of social information very fast.
Of course, snap judgments aren’t perfect and can be skewed by biases or context. But knowing that we all read each other quickly – and that there’s some science behind it – highlights the importance of those first moments. Below, we break down specific cues tied to major personality traits. These signs, supported by psychology research, can give you a head start in understanding who you’re dealing with.
Confidence and Body Language
Confidence (or lack thereof) often speaks loudest before a person says a word. In the first ten seconds, body language is a big giveaway. Standing tall with relaxed shoulders, head up, and steady eye contact usually signals self-assurance. By contrast, a slumped posture or darting eyes can suggest nervousness or insecurity. Someone who comfortably meets your gaze tends to come across as more confident and trustworthy than someone who looks away frequently. If you greet with a handshake, take note. A firm handshake often correlates with an outgoing, confident personality People with stronger handshakes rate themselves as more extroverted and less shy or anxious than those with limp handshakes
(No need to crush anyone’s knuckles – a firm but friendly grip is plenty.) Meanwhile, a weak or hesitant handshake might hint at a reserved or unsure nature. If a person skips the handshake and offers only a quick nod or timid smile, they could be quite introverted or uneasy.
Also notice fidgeting. Fidgety hands, foot-tapping, or shifting in place can betray anxiety in those first moments. In contrast, a calm, still posture – hands at ease and a natural stance – suggests the person is composed and not visibly rattled by the introduction. This composure often goes hand-in-hand with confidence. The bottom line: open, assured body language (upright posture, direct eye contact, and a confident greeting) in the first few seconds usually signals a self-assured, emotionally steady individual.
Read More: Apparently, What You See First Will Reveal Your Hidden Personality
Extraversion vs. Introversion
One trait that’s fairly easy to spot quickly is where someone falls on the introvert–extrovert spectrum. Extraverts tend to make their presence known right away. They often greet you with enthusiasm – maybe a warm “Hi, nice to meet you!” and a big smile – and they may stand a bit closer, engaging in friendly eye contact Extraverts usually start talking early and in a lively tone. They might use hand gestures or laugh easily, showing an expressive, outgoing style. In short, an extrovert’s body language says “I’m excited to interact” from the get-go.
Introverts, on the other hand, often have a more low-key initial presence. In the first ten seconds, an introverted person may offer a polite nod or a soft “hello,” but not jump into animated conversation. They might keep a little more physical distance or hold a quieter posture (arms close to their body, for example). It’s common for introverts to give a brief smile instead of a broad grin. They may also break eye contact a bit more. Not because they’re dishonest, but because intense social engagement can feel overwhelming for them. If you notice someone hanging back or waiting for you to lead the conversation, they likely lean toward introversion. Overall, paying attention to a person’s immediate energy level and engagement gives you a quick read on whether they’re more extroverted or introverted.
Agreeableness and Warmth
Agreeableness is the trait related to friendliness and cooperation. In the first moments of meeting someone, signs of agreeableness come through in how welcoming they are. A major giveaway is a genuine smile. If someone greets you with a warm smile that reaches their eyes, you’re likely seeing a friendly, agreeable personality. People who smile openly are generally perceived as more likable and approachable. That quick grin when you say hello is a strong sign of a kind disposition.
Other cues include a warm tone of voice and polite, positive language. An agreeable person may nod while listening and quickly say something friendly to put you at ease. They often try to make others comfortable immediately. You might also notice open body language. An agreeable person will face you, keep their arms uncrossed, and maybe lean in slightly to show engagement.
On the flip side, a lack of warm signals could mean a less agreeable first impression (or simply a shy or distracted person). If your cheerful greeting gets only a thin smile, minimal eye contact, and a terse reply, you might sense this person isn’t eager to chat. They could be more reserved or businesslike initially. Of course, not everyone smiles big at strangers, but generally, feeling an early positive vibe hints at a more agreeable nature. That warmth (or coolness) can clue you in quickly.
Openness to Experience
Openness to experience is associated with curiosity and creativity. It can be tricky to spot in just a few seconds, but there are hints. One clue may be in a person’s appearance or accessories. Highly open individuals often express their uniqueness outwardly. You might notice a distinctive fashion choice or a quirky accessory – creative clothing, bold glasses, an unusual pin. Expressive or unconventional style can reflect an imaginative personalitySo if someone shows up with an offbeat flair in their attire, they might indeed have an open, creative spirit.
Another indicator is how the person reacts to the environment or small talk. An open-minded, curious person often shows interest right away. For example, they might comment on a unique painting in the room or ask an offbeat question almost immediately. That immediate inquisitiveness is a hallmark of openness. In contrast, someone low in openness may stick to familiar small talk and present themselves in a more traditional manner. They might not display much curiosity during the introduction, keeping the conversation safe and predictable. If you catch even a small spark of curiosity or creativity in those first few seconds – a fascinated glance around, a thoughtful remark – you’re likely seeing signs of an open-to-experience personality.
Conscientiousness and Detail Orientation
Conscientiousness reflects how organized and reliable someone is. You can’t gauge this trait with total accuracy in ten seconds, but subtle cues can hint at it. Appearance is one clue. Someone who appears well put-together – neat attire and tidy grooming – instantly gives the impression of conscientiousness. A neat, orderly appearance tends to correlate with higher conscientiousness
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Punctuality is another hint. If they show up on time (or early), that silently signals reliability. Conversely, rushing in late can create an impression of being a bit disorganized (even if there’s a good excuse). You might also catch signs of preparedness. A conscientious person could have a notebook or business card ready to hand you. In contrast, a less conscientious person might fumble around to find something to write with. All together, those initial cues of orderliness versus carelessness give you a read on how conscientious someone might be.
Final Thoughts
You can learn a lot about a person in ten seconds. We’re surprisingly good at reading micro-signals, and research confirms these thin-slice impressions often contain a kernel of truth. However, remember that these clues are not the full story. First impressions can mislead us – as one expert noted, our snap assumptions about people are often downright wrong. That quiet, reserved individual might turn out to be very confident once you know them, or the bubbly greeter might not be so kind in the long run.
Use ten-second insights as a helpful guide, not a final verdict. Be observant of the body language and demeanor in those first moments. They will give you a sketch of the person. Then stay open-minded as you get to know them more. People are complex, and many will surprise you beyond that first hello. The first ten seconds are just an introduction to the full story.
Read More: 14 Ways Your Personality Is Judged Without You Saying a Word