First impressions are important. Why is that? Joseph Abboud, a fashion designer and author in New York, once said, “Making a strong first impression is as important as ever, especially when meeting face-to-face.” The first time we are introduced to a new person, our brain sends a message to a control center and processes several bytes of information within seconds.
First impressions have been shown to last for months and affect personal judgments even in the presence of contradictory evidence about the individual. In this article, we will analyze the psychology of first impressions and what people pay attention to.
Body Language
What crosses your mind when you meet someone for the first time? Research indicates that about 90–93% of everything we communicate or pick from others’ communications is conveyed without words. It can involve our gestures, our stance, our mimic, and the clothes we wear. Think about it. If someone invites you into a room, standing tall, head high, and looking around, you will be perceived as confident.
Putting on a slouchy or low posture and not looking straight into the eyes of those around them might result in perceptions of shyness or perhaps discomfort. What we say can be easily forgotten, while these gestures tell more about what we want to communicate. Therefore, next time you are preparing for a meeting or you are planning any social event, think about how you can control your body language to build the right perception.
The Role of Impressions
External looks matter when it comes to forming first impressions. And yes, appearance—right from our clothing to the grooming—plays an important role whether we like it or not. Research has demonstrated that individuals use clothing to assess someone’s level of smartness, credibility, and even character. This doesn’t mean that you should dress formally to impress people.
Personal appearance can also have an impact on a person’s first impression. Dress appropriately and comfortably. For example, bright clothing may convey friendliness in large part because the clothes are bright, whereas more subdued attire may convey a business-like demeanor equivalently. After all, the textures and shades are more subdued.
The Power of Words and Tone
Non-verbal communication and your physical appearance matter a lot, but equally important is the content of what you say and how you say it. Most times, people are first judged by their first conversation. Some studies show that the first few communications contain the necessary information for first-impression formation.
This is where tone of voice comes into play. You can sound more welcoming and become more easily relatable, or you can give a non-personal, unemotional presentation. But the choice of topics in your conversations is also important. It will be better to avoid topics that can create conflict. In this way, you can make a much greater first impression on the individual.
Final Thoughts
In a world where people generate their first impression about other people within 10 seconds of meeting them. Body language, appearance, and tone can define how we are seen or judged when that initial contact is made. Understanding these factors can help you make a good first impression. So, every time you meet new people, you should realize that the first impression is not made in a moment. It allows you to put your best foot forward. By minding your appearance, your attitude, and the way that you speak, first impressions do not have to be misconceptions.
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