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Subtle Ways to Change a First Impression

First Impression

First Impression

Ah the first impression. This formidable element of the human social experience has given everyone a healthy dose of anxiety throughout their lives. In a Princeton University study, researchers analyzed the significance of the first impression in determining factors like success and confidence. They had participants in the study examine, “a microsecond of video of a political candidate. Amazingly, research subjects could predict with 70-percent accuracy who would win the election just from that microsecond of tape. This tells us that people can make incredibly accurate snap judgments in a tenth of a second.”

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to make sure that you’re making the best possible impression on the people you’re meeting, whether it’s on the first date at a restaurant or during an important interview for your dream job.

No matter what the occasion, you can subtly manipulate the way others perceive you based on a combination of wardrobe signals, conversational hints, and physical movements. It might seem unlikely, but these little changes can make a big difference in whether or not you’re getting that second date or the second interview. Keep reading to find out what you should be doing to make the best first impression.

Demonstrating Confidence with your Wardrobe

One easy way to project confidence during a first encounter is to pick wardrobe choices that demonstrate a boldness, but also show an awareness of style and contextual appropriateness. While wearing an avant garde piece of clothing from a designer runway show might show confidence, chances are that it won’t mesh well with the the occasion. For occasions like a first date or an interview, you want to be relatively restrained. This means looking for subtle ways to project confidence without going overboard. One simple way to do this is through men’s designer socks. By showing a hint of bold color between your hem and your shoe, you’re showing a measured degree of controlled confidence that is both intriguing and subconsciously appealing to those you’re meeting. Designers like VK Nagrani have a good selection of socks that toe the line (pun fully intended) between professionalism and aesthetics. If you’re looking to find some shirts that extend that same effect, VKN might be a good place for that as well. Will Levy of Oak Hall gives them a ringing endorsement, “By far the most comfortable shirt I have ever worn.  It was unorthodox, but remained very sophisticated.”

Not only is it important to select the right articles of clothing, but also to tailor which items you wear for the environment you’re in. According to a Business Insider interview with Sylvia Ann Hewlett of the Center for Talent Innovation, regional differences are an important factor to take into consideration regarding attire, "If you're headquartered in New York and making a presentation in Mountain View, do some adjusting to how you show up,’ she says, such as opting for a more California casual look. ‘You want to show that you can be fluent.” Demonstrating a level of familiarity and dexterity with different environments will show your competence in the realm of social intelligence, a key personality trait that employers look for in potential candidates.

Good Impressions through Diction and Body Language

In addition to your outward appearance, your enunciation and verbal expression can contribute to giving others a good first impression. Using moderate pacing and a clearly audible volume are the most important factors in diction. In the context of a date, struggling to hear someone over the din in a crowded restaurant is going to prove exhausting and eventually not worth the effort. Nothing feels worse than a punch line falling flat because the other person couldn’t hear the joke clearly. Confident body language can be another way of conveying comfort in social settings. Sitting with good posture will improve your physical appearance and show confidence, while movements like crossing your arms should be avoided. This gives off the impression that you’re uninterested in the conversation or unsatisfied with the date.

In an interview setting, employers take note of candidates who use active verbiage to describe their previous experience. Expressing oneself in active terms shows a capable attitude with the determination to accomplish tasks thoroughly and independently. Another helpful way to demonstrate that you’re a good fit for a position is to include the most up to date industry terms. While an excessive use of buzzwords is going to turn off employers, showing that you know what you’re talking about and keep up with industry trends is always going to come across positively.

By making a few small changes to your attire, your body language, and your diction, you can make a huge impact on the way others perceive you. Make a conscious effort the first few times and they’ll become your natural habits before you know it.

Peter Keiller

Peter Keiller is a highly experienced writer. He often writes on web design and SEO. He has a great understanding about Internet Marketing and Digital Space....(Read More)

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