A
website, a person, a school, a business and even objects all have a first
impression. These impressions either capture one’s attention or evade it. Research
shows that it takes approximately 30 seconds to make a judgment based on our
first impression. Those crucial 30 seconds can either increase or decrease
business so be sure to make a positive
first impression.
Evelyn
Lundstrom, managing director of First Impressions Image Training and
Consulting, says that “we tend to believe what we see more than what we hear or
read”. People are likely to remember what you wore the first time they saw you
than remember what you said. Students, on the first day of class, do you make
an assumption of your professor based on what he or she is wearing? Teachers,
do you make an assumption of students based on their visual appearance? Whether
or not we like to believe it, we trust our first impressions.
According
to Allan Pease, human communications and body language expert, people rely on
first impressions because “human brains are hard-wired to quickly evaluate the
intentions of an approaching stranger via body signals. It’s a basic survival
process. Even if our evaluation is incorrect, we still proceed as if it was
true.” So if you send closed off body signals, then people are going to have a
negative view of you. The five most common body language “mistakes” people in
the business include “inappropriate use of personal space, inappropriate touch,
using negative signals, poor handshake technique and inappropriate eye-contact”,
says Mr. Pease. Ensure that you avoid making these mistakes when you make a
first impression by practicing professional business etiquette.
At the Oral Communication Center, we strive to make sure that our clients experience a positive first impression. From the physical design of our center to our web design, we work hard to create an inviting atmosphere. Our consultants aim to please you by accommodating you to the best of our abilities. We hope that this first blog left a positive first impression to draw your interest and that you will continue to read our monthly blogs.
At the Oral Communication Center, we strive to make sure that our clients experience a positive first impression. From the physical design of our center to our web design, we work hard to create an inviting atmosphere. Our consultants aim to please you by accommodating you to the best of our abilities. We hope that this first blog left a positive first impression to draw your interest and that you will continue to read our monthly blogs.
Reference
The New Zealand Herald. “Body language key to first impression”. LexisNexis. Web. 15 June 2011.
The New Zealand Herald. “Body language key to first impression”. LexisNexis. Web. 15 June 2011.
The West Australian. “Presenting well”. LexisNexis. Web. 10 July 2012.
For personalized presentation feedback and assistance, please
visit The Oral Communication Center at the NVCC Annandale Campus. Our
office is located in CM 363 and we would be happy to help you succeed!
To set up an appointment with a communications consultant please call 703.764.5091 or stop by room CM 363 to schedule an appointment in person.
For more information on center hours and other academic support services offered at the NVCC Annandale campus please visit: http://www.nvcc.edu/annandale/lrc/occ/
Hope to see you soon,
OCC Staff
