First impressions are important. Two researchers from Princeton University found that 70 per cent of people could predict the outcome of an election by studying a clip of the political candidates – when that clip was less than a second long. 

In short, we decide how we feel about people before they open their mouths.

"First impressions count for our gorgeous singles," says MySingleFriend.com founder Sarah Beeny.

So, how can you make this work to your advantage – and impress your date before you’ve ordered a drink?

Turn up on time

The expression ‘fashionably late’ is a bit of a misnomer.

No-one has ever sat alone in a cafe or restaurant, looking at their watch and thinking that the person they are waiting for is incredibly stylish.

Dates are especially nerve wracking, and if you make sure that you’re on time, or even five minutes early, you’re sending out an immediate signal of respect.

You’re telling your date that they’re important to you, and you respect them.

By making them feel valued, you’re associating yourself with a strong, positive feeling that will make your date feel good. 

Dress well - and steer clear of slogans

It’s important to pick an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, but you need to consider the comfort of your date, too.

MySingleFriend.com user Emily, 42 said that she was put off one potential partner because he was wearing a t shirt with a “No Fear” logo.

“I see those shirts all the time, but in that slightly pressured scenario, I couldn’t stop focusing on the word ‘fear’ which reminded me of my nerves! It was like being told not to think of pink elephants!” she explains.

Fashion writer Miriam Bouteba advises: “It’s you who should be hilarious, not your shirt.”

You don’t need to wear a suit and tie, but you do need to look neutral in order to allow your personality to shine through. 

Make instant eye contact

It sounds so simple, but it can feel scary – making eye contact immediately shows that you’re focused, you’re prepared to listen to your date, and most importantly, that you have nothing to hide.

Psychologist Adrian Furman says: “People look at each other about 75 per cent of the time when talking but only 40 per cent of the time when listening,” so if you look at your date while they’re talking to you, you’ll come across as being especially attentive.

Making eye contact makes you seem more confident and more intelligent, which are definitely qualities that are worth bringing to the table during a first meeting.

When you make eye contact with someone, you seem more confident and more intelligent.

When you greet your date, smile, say hello and hold their gaze for a moment – and you’ll have their undivided attention for the duration of the date. 

Pretend you have no phone

The best way to make a great impression on your date is to be completely focused on them, what they are saying, and how they’re reacting.

The best way to lose all focus and become irritatingly distracted is to start feeling for the phone in your pocket.

MySingleFriend.com user Polly is seeing someone she met on the site, and says: “He stood out from the moment I met him, because he was the only person in the bar who was looking up, and observing what was going on around him.

"Everyone else I could see was staring at a phone.”

Do bring your phone with you, and let your friends know how the date is going – it’s a useful safety tool. But do wait to do this until either you or your date has gone to the loo. 

Ask a question

When we’re on a first date and feeling a little nervous, it’s not unusual for us to start talking about ourselves. After all, it’s the one subject where we’re the world’s greatest experts.

However, it’s worth trying to keep that impulse in check. You can build more of a connection with your date by asking them about themselves instead.

The old adage is true: interesting people are interested people. Your first question doesn’t need to be especially scintillating or challenging, you can simply ask your date if they had far to travel, or if you can get them a drink.

You’ll immediately establish that you’re considerate, and that you care about their wellbeing, and the conversation will flow from there. 

This article has been written in partnership with MySingleFriend.com for express.co.uk