First Impressions (Click Here)

I'm doing some research for an upcoming presentation. I was looking for some facts to back up my opinions on first impressions and impressions in general. Many of us don't look in a mirror all day, so we don't know the impression we are leaving on people. We could be leaving positive or negative verbal or non-verbal signals to the people around us. I recommended that everyone should take an interpersonal communication class and an acting class when they have the opportunity. You learn so much about body language, voice tone, personality types and how to relate with different personalities. We are always going to interact with people in life. This could be a romantic relationship, relationships with friends and family, relationships with co-workers, or work in general.

So, when you wake up in the morning, think about the interactions and impressions about yourself and life you might be leaving on the people around you. Here are some notes I found:

(In Style Magazine) First Impressions Facts:
1. It only takes seven seconds to make a first impression.
2. Just over 50% of a first impression is based on appearance (wardrobe, hair/makeup, body language, and our facial
expressions).
3. 40% of our first impressions are based on voice and speech quality.
4. About 5% is based on what we say.
5. A Clairol Corporation salary research study found that companies projected salaries up to 20% higher based on a job
applicant’s appearance.

Positive First Impressions: 83 Ways to Establish Confidence, Competence and Trust.

Here are a few of these tips and techniques that will help you make the first move on your way to creating a positive and lasting impression.

It starts with you

-Raise your awareness about how your communication style affects others. The first step in making any change is taking stock
of what you currently do that works and what does not. Some bad habits can be eliminated just by becoming conscious of
them.
-Take the initiative. Instead of waiting for others to form impressions of you, determine how you want to be perceived. What
three descriptive words do you want others to associate with your name? Behave and speak in ways that are consistent with
those words.
-Share what you can do, not what you cannot. Whatever you focus on tends to expand. When you emphasize your strengths,
they will grow and you will be associated with success.
-Practice the platinum rule. Communicate with other people as they want to be communicated with, not based on your needs.
Some people prefer just the facts, while others prefer more socializing.

Listening

-Commit to listening, which is different from hearing. Listening is active and requires intent, focus and energy. Hearing is
passive and requires no special skills.
-Seek to understand first, and then respond. Judgement and criticism act as barriers to effective listening.
-Respond to the speaker’s whole message. Emotions and feelings are most reliably conveyed through nonverbal
communication, such as facial expression, eye contact and posture. If you interpret a person’s message based on his words
alone, you will be missing half the message.
-Develop a sense of empathy. Attempt to understand other people’s perspectives and world views by imagining yourself in
their shoes.

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