Primacy Effect: How to Speak Up in Meetings

Hi there 👋

Do you dread speaking up in meetings? I want to help!

There is an interesting psychological phenomenon called the Primacy Effect.

This refers to the tendency to remember or give more importance to the first items in a sequence, a person who goes first, or the first topic mentioned.

The primacy effect impacts the way we make decisions, as the way we receive information has proven to be a critical factor in the decision-making process.

An individual’s opinion can easily be manipulated or skewed based on their first impression of an object or person.

Examples of the Primacy Effect

There are a handful of opportunities you can use the ‘Primary Effect’

1. First Impressions in Job Interviews – If a candidate makes a strong positive impression in the first few minutes, the interviewer may unconsciously favor them, even if their later answers are weaker.

2. Presentations – A speaker who starts with a powerful opening statement or story is more likely to be remembered than one who saves their key points for the end.

3. Meetings– Attendees may be more influenced by how a meeting begins rather than by later information

How To Use The Primacy Effect

It’s very simple to use

In situations where you want to have a positive impact focus on the first few moments with someone:

Give a Compliment - Starting with a compliment is a great way to use the primacy effect, where they remember your kind words. use phrases such as “I was so looking forward to meeting you, hi my name is…”

Critical Information FIRST - It is easy to get lost in all the fluff in a meeting but really go for the throat and get the important information out first. Use the phrase "The most important thing to understand is..."

Avoid Detailed Info - Some information like contact details, dates, and times may not stick right away with the Primacy Effect. Keep to your main key takeaways, details are something you can follow up with later in an email, your goal is to make an impact!

Body Language: Primacy Effect

The Primacy Effect is not just about what we say

Our body language also communicates a message within the first few seconds.

Creating a strong first impression in a meeting, job interview or presentation can help carry the audience’s feelings about you through the whole duration.

You want your audience to feel:

• Comforted

• That you know what you’re talking about

• Positive

• That you are competent

Here is how you can create a memorable first impression

Smiling - It may be a simple one but during meetings, job interviews, and presentations we want to be ‘professional’ which can sometimes come across as ‘cold’. Look at the image below of a 2025 contestant on the business show ‘The Apprentice’

Would you hire him?

Apparel - What you wear can create an impression, however, it’s a balance. Too flashy it could be seen as arrogant, too casual then you could be seen as not professional. Take a look at ‘The Apprentice Finalists’ last year and tell me what impression they give you:

Hand Gestures - These are often overlooked, but a vital component to building trust with a first impression. Look at this first image of a 2025 candidate from the apprentice:

What impression do they give you?

Look at the image below that include their body and hand gestures

What’s the difference you notice?

Tell me what you think by replying to this email

If you do I’ll email you back telling you if you are correct 😉

Another fun email this week!

Its always great exploring these new ideas and putting together examples!

I hope you can use some of these techniques in your upcoming meetings!

Speak soon!

Kind regards
Sebastian from Art of Charisma