The Importance of a Good First Impression
What You Wear Can Make or Break Your Perceived Image
Jun 2, 2009
Our society is becoming more and more image–based. The single greatest influence on a first impression is someone’s physical appearance. People make assumptions about you based on what you look like, what you are wearing and the sum of the little details, like hair, nails, makeup and shoes. Impressions, valuations and decisions are made within seconds even before you have opened your mouth to speak.
The Making of a First Impression
As human beings, we like to believe in ourselves, and to hold fast our first impressions of any situation or person. Think back to a time when you met someone for the first time and instantly liked or disliked that person. From that moment on, either consciously or unconsciously, you looked for clues to back up you assessment.
Appearances and Image
Managing your appearance is an important part of who you are. It tells the world about your personality and your lifestyle. It cannot be denyed that today, moreso than other eras, image does matter. We are bombarded with images of perfect celebrities and models, with more and more emphasis placed on looking the part and dressing for success. We are all quick to make judgements based on how people look. We also need to keep in mind that whilst making a judgement based on limited information about someone is not the way to go, it is important to acknowledge that clothing and personal appearance is a form of communication.
Once the assumption about you has been made, it is very difficult to alter.
First impressions are made within the first six seconds of meeting someone for the first time. What you say only accounts for 7% of the perception made of us, 35% is how you say it ( your tone of voice), and a massive 55% is based purely on how you look– the way you stand, the clothes you wear and your personal grooming.
Golden Rules
There are three golden rules when it comes to making a great first impression.
- Always make a good first impression
- You only get a few seconds to make a good first impression
- You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Women who care about their appearance are seen as
- More credible
- More capable
- More intellegent
- Having a higher self esteem
- Being more confident
than those who look slightly less pulled together.
Stack the Odds in Your Favour
Stack the odds in your favour. Don’t give them a reason to think that you are not credible or capable. Act confident, look confident and dress like you care.
- Brush your hair before you leave the house, carry a comb in your handbag.
- Take a few moments to swipe on some mascara and lip gloss on your way out the door.
- Use a nail brush in the shower to clean your fingernails and buff the skin around them.
- When meeting someone for the first time, stand up straight, look them in the eye and smile.
Keep up you grooming and personal style, the little extra effort can make or break the impresion you are sending to the world.
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