How To Guarantee Your Second Appearance - Brief Article

Interview, Oct, 1999

starring the always impressive Amanda Peet

1. Clean up your act. Your mama was right. No low-cut neckline or strong handshake can ever make up for poor hygiene. Wash behind your ears and clean your teeth. Nix the premeeting Doritos (if you're hungry, eat an apple).

2. Get dressed. Think carefully. What's right for the red carpet may not be for Sunday brunch (except maybe with your drag-queen pals). Sequins have their place - keep them there. Remember, it's always you that should shine.

3. Don't forget the shoes. Alfred Hitchcock once wrote that people can always be judged by their shoes. He was right,

4. Time your arrival. Life isn't a nightclub. It generally isn't cool to arrive more than 15 minutes late (30 minutes in New York because the person you're meeting will most likely also be late). And if you're early, sit it out. Nobody likes to be surprised by an early arrival unless they already know you.

5. Don't stop smiling. Unless you're at a funeral, a smile is always appropriate. Especially when you're meeting for the first time. And be sure to offer your hand before they do.

6. Remember names and details. It will take you a long way, and will impress the heck out of most folks. And if you can't remember someone's name, don't be afraid to say so.

7. Pay attention. The hors d'oeuvres on the other side of the room can wait. Don't be distracted. Pretend the person you're meeting is the last living soul on the face of the planet. What goes around comes around.

8. Leave the lemons at home, We all hate a sourpuss, and making a bad impression is worse than making none at all. Don't rain on somebody else's parade just because you'd rather be at home watching Jerry Springer.

9. Leave a lasting impression. Good manners win out over good genes. Hands down.