When you first see someone, it is human nature to judge a person on their looks, attire, posture, gender, age, race, culture, language, voice, economic status and attractiveness or lack of. This is called a first impression. This is the event when one person first encounters another person and forms a mental image of that person by what they are observing. It is not known how long it takes for a person to form an impression about someone but it has been noted that some believe it is between 2- 30 seconds. A study done by Princeton psychologists found it takes only a tenth of a second to form an impression of somebody. Whatever the time is, what is sure, is that the first impression is fast.
So, how do you make sure you give a positive first impression?
Knowing that 55% percent of impressions are based on how you look and act, 38% is based on the sound and tone of your voice, and 7% is based on what you actually say.
That would lead me to answer the question by saying, dress for success by presenting yourself in a positive appearance, be open and confident, be courteous and attentive, and show respect to the people around you and go beyond using words that are not meant for everyone.
Our society places a huge value on clothes, as you can see with the unlimited amount of styles and designs that are available for purchase. Word of advice, "if you are not selling, then you shouldn't be advertising." Once we get past the physical attire, what is left are the words that escape our mouth and our individual characteristic traits.
So how do you dress these areas of your life, to help make a good first impression?
My suggestion includes speaking proper English, being on time, proper hygiene, making eye contact, having good posture and body language, listening, showing humility, and being respectful of yourself, the environment and the people around you.
I have never understood why people get upset with others being in their business when they publicly put things on social media or have phone conversations or video chat using their speaker while others are around. Please limit your life to others by not posting everything and by placing the phone up to your ear or purchasing a headset. Also, have common courtesy with the language you use in public, as not everyone raises their children using profanity and could care less to hear it while sitting in a restaurant or any other place in close proximity to others.
Your style and the clothes you choose will reflect and affect your mood, health, and overall confidence. So, as you find the clothes that fit your profile also look for characteristic traits that will allow others to see that you are kind, confident, fair, loyal, responsible, unselfish, imaginative, brave, honest, creative, intelligent, humble, have humility, and knowledgeable.
This is how you dress for success and ensure you are making your first impression your best impression. #SPEAK2MYHEART
