The Power of the First Impression
How Long Does It Take?
There is power in making a first impression, they do not take much time to form. The latest research on making a first impression tells us it’s an even shorter time than we originally thought; within a tenth of a second…a blink of an eye. We make a lot of decisions about someone, consciously and unconsciously in that brief amount of time. If it’s favorable, that’s a good thing and if it’s not favorable, we know, it is difficult to reverse a bad impression.
What Are we Deciding About Someone?
First impressions happen with the first point of contact with someone. That can be via e-mail, social media, other correspondence, on the telephone or in person. Two primary views we consider… is this person competent and is this person trustworthy…with trustworthy being the most important. Someone may be very competent at something but not very likable or trustworthy.
How Important Is Body Language?
Eighty percent of a first impression is formed based on non-verbal communication. That includes demeanor, (smiling or not) engagement with people (looking up from your electronic devices), eye contact, handshake, dress, body language and gestures. Verbal communication is another important aspect of how we judge and are judged, especially in a professional setting. Your tone of voice, pattern of speech and your vocabulary are very telling.
What Factors Influence Our First Impression?
It is important to understand the factors that are relative to our making a judgment about someone are influenced by: age, race, gender, culture, language, physical appearance, accent, posture, voice, and biases.
Pause and consider the next time you meet someone for the first time or speak with them on the phone to be mindful of the impression you are forming and sending.
You never get a second chance, so focus on the power of the first impression!
All good information, Karen, and all well said.
Thank you, Lydia.
Great reminder of the importance of how other’s form an impression. As always, right on, Karen.