Consider your first encounter with someone. You might be able to tell in a matter of seconds whether they are reliable, confident, or personable. Although this process seems natural and intuitive, it is actually based on complicated brain processes and cognitive shortcuts. First impressions are not random; rather, they are based on patterns, prior experiences, and subtle indicators that your brain interprets very quickly. Gaining an understanding of this science can make you more conscious of your own opinions and enhance the impression you make on other people.
