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Partial Listing of Clients:
Univ.
of Richmond
Executive Education
Chesterfield County
Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority
Guardian Christian
Academy
Associated Insurance
Systems, Inc.
Lasting
Impressions
"We were very
satisfied with the
first impressions seminar. The presenter was fully qualified,
enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about the subject matter."
Participants from
(Richmond) City University
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"The
Etiquette
Advantage" is a
free online publication from1st Impressions,
Inc. It is geared for those who want to enhance their
self-confidence, heighten their communication skills, and outclass
their competition.
This free subscription publication should come to you only if you have
requested it or because you have a pre-existing relationship with Patricia
Whitaker or
her business, 1st
Impressions, Inc.
Visit us on the web at www.1stimpressionsonline.com
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The axiom “you never get a second
chance to make a first impression,” is true and is compounded by the
fact that people rarely change their minds once their initial
impression has been formed.
According to UCLA sociolinguist Dr. Albert Merhrabian, 90% of people
will make an opinion about you in the first 10 to 40 seconds of
contact. Studies have shown that the impact of the first impression is
generally derived from visual (how we look and act 55%), vocal (how we
use our voice 38%), and verbal (what we say 7 %) cues.
In communication, your body language can either
work for or against you. Without saying a word, your body conveys
a lot. Your posture, eyes, gestures, tone of voice and the space around
you convey a distinct message. If your words conflict with these body
messages, your nonverbal communication will be perceived as true. While
verbal content is very important, if you don’t look and sound confident
or credible, then it is inconsequential whether you actually are.
That’s why first impressions are so vital. Use the
following non-verbal principles to project a positive first impression:
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Pay attention to your apparel.
What you wear is the first thing people notice about you. Make sure
your attire is appropriate for the situation. Does it fit well and look
good on you? Is it wrinkled or stained? Do your shoes need to
be polished? There’s nothing more powerful, yet more changeable, than
the choices we make in our wardrobe.
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Be conscious of body language.
Poor posture, a shrug, rolling of the eyes, finger tapping, a big
yawn--there is much meaning conveyed in each of these movements.
Confidence and competence are often assumed from simple gestures and
habits.
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Smile. Like
a magnet, a pleasant facial expression draws people to you. Practice
smiling so often that it becomes a habit.
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Make eye contact. Over half of
communication is visual. Avoiding eye contact makes you seem
untrustworthy, even if you're just feeling shy. If making eye contact
is difficult, practice by looking in a mirror when you're on the
telephone.
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Be enthusiastic! People want to
feel special. When you first meet someone, smile, look them in the eye,
give a firm handshake, call them by name, offer a compliment.
Your chances of making a good impression will greatly increase by just
"being nice."
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You owe it to yourself to assess the way you first appear to others.
You may give off negative messages without knowing it. Ask a trusted
friend or co-worker for honest feedback. Then practice on improving the
areas where you are sending a message that is different than the one
you desire. Aim to project confidence, competence, composure and
class and you'll be well on you way to a successful encounter!
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Quote for the Month
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. ~ Andrew Carnegie
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1st Impressions, Inc. offers a variety
of customized
workshops
and private consultations for businessowners, employees, and
individuals on professional presence,
business protocol, effective communication, interviewing skills and
dining etiquette. A unique program designed especially for
teens, Skills 4 Success, is
also highly recommended.
1st Impressions, Inc. provides the
polished finishing touches that help you project a lasting impression
of power, poise, confidence and professionalism.
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2003-2010 1st Impressions, Inc. All rights reserved.
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