How to Make an Impression

8/8/2019 How to Make an Impression

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/how-to-make-an-impression 1/10

HOW TO MAKE AN

IMPRESSION



Making an Impression of

Being Valuable or Important

by Ron Kurtus (26 January 2002)

When you are trying to provide another person with a valuable product, service or information,

the person will first evaluate whether he feels you can deliver what is promised. This evaluation

is done through the impression you project. Although the first impression is the most important,

every time you interact, you make an impression that builds to form your reputation.

Questions you may have include:

•What does the person evaluate?

•How is an impression made?

•Why is the first impression so important?

What is evaluated?

Whenever you interact with another person, that person makes evaluations concerning your

intelligence, character, social standing and such. These evaluations or judgments are derivedfrom subtle clues, taken from what he or she sees and hears from you.

Likewise, you do the same thing about the other person. You may observe the way the persondresses, how he carries himself, how he acts, how he sounds, and implications from what he



says, and you pass judgment from those items.

This determines the impression each makes on the other.

Impression

There is the visual impression and how a person sounds.

Visual impression

When you come into contact with another person, you see him or her first and make some quick

evaluations on how the person acts and dresses.

How someone acts

The way or person acts is probably the most important determining factor in the impression he

makes. A person may give the impression of being self-assured, confident, important, or

knowledgeable. Or the person can appear nervous, unsure and not having much to offer.

How someone looks

The way a person dresses gives in indication of the person's wealth, social standing, vanity,

cleanliness and taste. The physical appearance of a person can indicate if he is intelligent,healthy, or desirable. It seems that good-looking people make a better impression that homely people.



How person sounds

Likewise, the sound of a person's voice can determine how much attention you pay to him. Part

of the voice is also determined by how it is projected, such as being confident or unsure.

Importance of first impression

An impression is made quickly with intuition. To try to convince a person that the impressionwas incorrect takes logic. It is still difficult to overcome the "gut feeling" the person may have

from the first impression.

When you first meet a person, the amount of confidence shows up immediately. If you areunsure, your voice can tell. Even if you later show confidence and a sure voice, the person may

think it is just an act.

The "act" must be performed the first time you meet the person.

In conclusion

You must not only sell the other person that what you have to offer is valuable, but you must alsocreate an impression that you can deliver that item. Once you create the positive impression, you

are considered a valuable and even important person.



17 ways to make an impression

Your social life

Rod Cornwell, of Channel 5's Selling Yourself , says: 'Ninety-nine per cent of us enter a crowded room, scan it, look for someone we know, then make

straight for them. Those first moments are crucial, so do something different.' Rod's advice is to,

'Arrive, stand perfectly still for 20 seconds, then wait for someone to notice you. It's instantlymemorable.'

Claudia Croft, fashion editor of The Sunday Times, says: 'Cultivate a signature fashion look.

The most memorable fashion types all have a style that distinguishes them from the rest of thefashion pack: Isabella Blow wears a mad hat, Anna Wintour is known for her chic bob,

sunglasses and being rail thin. This way, whatever event you're at, people will remember you.'

Judi James, body language expert, says:

'"Big" stories, as in, "I've just got back from Botswana, where I was training for my round-the-

world walk," are super-dull. Instead, arm yourself with small dabs of witty dialogue - and, moreimportantly, really good gossip. It bonds people more than any other type of conversation.'

Camilla Morton, author of How to Walk in High Heels (£14.99, Hodder & Stoughton), says:

'Arrive sufficiently early so people are sober enough to remember you, but late enough to not

seem over-keen. If you're wearing the same outfit as a fellow guest, remark on her great taste,

then avoid her. And, lastly, remember Cinderella's exit: she was the first to leave the ball, makingher the highlight of the night rather than one of the dregs.'

Jay Hunt, of BBC2's Would Like to Meet , says: 'Give good gifts.

Judi James says: 'I once watched an actress dazzle every guy in the room by refusing to be introduced to them by

name. She claimed she could guess it with just three questions: their age, what their parents did

and where they grew up. She cannily got each guy's full attention and bypassed the usual boring

small talk. Another surefire room-stopper is a "model" walk,' James continues. 'Learn to walk like Naomi Campbell and even a trip to the loo will be memorable.' !

Your work life



Emma Ford, image coach, says:

'You may spend hundreds on the right suit, shoes and bag, but don't underestimate the impact of

the garment you arrive in every day - your coat. It should be classic and instantly recognisable -try a timeless princess coat for winter and a designer twist on the trench for warmer weather.'

Saira Khan, TV personality and author, says:

'You don't get a second chance at a first impression, so make an effort. Study yourself in the

mirror: what is your body language implying? What about your tone of voice? Do you sound

stressed or in charge? Be self-aware.'

Leil Lowndes, author of How to Make Anyone Like You (£8.99, HarperCollins), says:

'If you're having lunch with colleagues, after the main course, announce that there's a great

pudding on the menu and that you'd like to treat everyone. It's unnecessary, but everyone willlove the excuse to indulge.'

Richard Reed, co-founder of smoothie empire Innocent, says: 'If you want to be distinctive in meetings, make sure you're 100 per cent natural. I encourage my

co-workers to talk to each other and to our customers the same way they would chat to friends.'

Judi James, body language expert, says:

'I've watched extensive footage of Bill Clinton to see where he gets all that industrial-strength

charisma, and it comes from his use of a clever technique called "pacing". He simply matches the

pace of the person he's with. This creates empathy and makes it look like he has all the time inthe world to listen. People love it.'

Emma Ford says: 'Move out of your comfort zone and ditch the black when it comes to workwear. Turquoise blues

are great communicating colours, and purples add an air of creativity.'

Max Clifford, PR svengali: 'If you want people to notice you, be yourself. Take Simon Cowell: he's exactly the same on The

X Factor as he is in his office on a Monday morning.'

Your love life

Leil Lowndes says:

'Whereas men are used to giving compliments to women because it gets them what they want,

you'll find they'll really remember you if you turn the tables and give them a compliment instead.Also, instead of just looking into his eyes when you're talking to him, you'll make a much more

dramatic impression if you let your look glide slowly down his body. Remember - take it all in

and linger a bit before refocussing on his face.'

Mary Balfour, author of Smart Dating: How to Find Your Man (£10, Element), says:

'Always be the first to end the first date - and always leave him with questions in his head. This

way, he'll be eager to find out more - intrigue makes you far more memorable, as well asdesirable. Just meet from 7-9pm for drinks. Don't go to dinner for the first few dates - it goes on

for far too long and he'll find out too much about you too quickly.'



Jay Hunt, of BBC2's Would Like to Meet , says:

'The sense that stimulates memory most powerfully is our sense of smell, so be sure to choose a

fragrance that will be remembered for all the right reasons. Robbie Williams once commented onhow memorable Nicole Kidman's scent was. Apparently, she'd created her own signature scent

by layering oils such as vanilla and musk.'

Judi James says: 'After studying several filmed interviews with actress Angelina Jolie, I noticed that she changes

her pitch while she's talking, with her body language subtly fluctuating from "intellectual" to

"sex diva". One minute, she will be intense and unsmiling, discussing a serious topic to do with

her UN work; then, she'll just lift her chin towards the ceiling and run one hand through her hair.The arching of her neck focuses attention on Jolie's cleavage. However, when she refocusses, she

comes across as sweet and girlie - and very, very memorable.'

How to make a good impression at interviews

Most of us find interviews more daunting than root canal treatment. An interview is like a sales

pitch and the commodity on sale is you.

What to wear

First impressions count.

Nearly seven in 10 female interviewers say that a woman's appearance is just as important as

what she says in the interview.

Do some reconnaissance before choosing what to wear.

Check out what your potential colleagues are wearing and go one step smarter - employers like

to recruit people like them. Saville Row booted and suited may not be appropriate for a job at acreative dot.com business, but the interviewer will expect you to dress smartly.

Suit

Most interviewers expect both sexes to wear suits.

· Go for clean-cut, three-buttoned classics in subdued colours such as charcoal grey.

· Avoid the shoulder-enhanced power suit, especially in bright colours, unless you are Joan

Collins.

Shirt

You'll need one, or a blouse to compliment that suit. According to Europe's largest imageconsultancy the colour of your shirt will have a psychological effect on you and the interviewer.



· Pink: If you are a woman it says you're unimportant and lacking confidence. Icy pinks on a

man, however, give an air of success and confidence. Shocking pink is definitely not

management material.

· Red: Signals that you are exciting, upbeat and confident. But it can also indicate a domineering,

bossy and threatening personality.

· Blue: Indicates a peaceful, trustworthy and thoughtful person. Mid to pale blues give a reliable

and methodical air.

· White: Classic, futuristic and optimistic. Wear with charcoal grey suit for aura of maximum

authority.

· Lilac: It makes you stand out from the crowd. It indicates a confident individual who is

diplomatic, selfless and creative.

· Yellow: The least business-like option. It can give the impression that you are impulsive.

· Green: Gives the impression of being predictable and stubborn.

Shoes

Those vintage Pumas may be comfortable and complement that urban schtick, but they are a no-

no.

· Clean, polished, sensible black shoes only.

· Grandiose boots on either sex are frowned upon, so are excessively priapic heals.

Hygiene and grooming

Even if you are the sartorial embodiment of the perfect candidate, this can let you down.

· Both sexes should be clean-shaven, hair neatly cut and clean, and fingernails spotless.

· Avoid overpowering perfumes and aftershaves - ventilation in the interview room may not be

able to cope.

Make-up

Subdued is what they want, sadly. You can't go wrong with the natural look.

· Avoid excessively bright red lipstick or other startling colours. No 70s sparkly disco eye

shadow either.

· Make-up that looks like it has been applied with a trowel will only confuse the interviewer - are

you a Divine lookalike or the best candidate for the job?

Bag

· Leave the rucksack, plastic bag and spangly go-go clutch bag at home.

· Smart, chic and compact - but big enough to accommodate your CV and an A to Z.

Definite sartorial no-nos

· Avoid too many gold chains and rings.

· Remove facial piercings.

· Don't be tempted by comical socks and ties.

Timing



None of the above will help if you arrive late. To a recruiter this equates to a potentially tardy

employee.

· Aim to get to your interview half an hour early. It may be the most anxious 30 minutes wait in

your life, but a nervous candidate is better than a late one.

· Research your route and check parking availability or the whereabouts of the nearest station.Work out how long it will take to get to the office, and always allow extra time for delays.

· An A to Z and a mobile phone are essential. But remember to switch your mobile off when you

arrive.

Body language

Research shows that our body language accounts for 55% of first impressions - no wonder, with700,000 unique movements.

· Men and women use different body language to communicate and create an impression. For

example, women lean forward when they are listening and men lean back.

· To create a powerful impression that conveys intelligence and credibility, keep hand gestures to

a minimum. An interviewer may perceive excessive gesticulation as someone 'leaking emotion'.

· Don't fidget.

· Always look your interviewer(s) in the eye throughout. Don't ignore anyone on the interview

panel.

What to say and what not to say

· Concentrate on the skills and experience that you can bring to the job and the difference thatyou can make to the organisation.

· Take your time before answering awkward questions. Interviewers prefer a few moments of contemplation rather than "ums" and "errs". They use such questioning to root out those who just

deliver prepared answers.

· Avoid going into your personal life.

· If asked, stick to outside interests and hobbies that would add to your ability to do the job.

· Although you are selling your self, don't be arrogant, be confident.

· Don't tell the interviewer how to do their job. Don't crack jokes or make ambiguous remarks



that could be interpreted as racist, sexist or bigoted.

· Remember that every organisation is different. Research the company and job you are applyingfor, but don't regurgitate this information unless you are called upon to do so. The internet

provides a good source of information: many company websites include a business outline.

REFERENCE:

http://www.school-for-champions.com/value/impression.htm

Documents

How to Make an Impression