First Impressions

First impressions are what set the tone in any situation, personal or professional, and ultimately determine how we proceed behaviorally in that situation. Within a matter of seconds, a person will make their assessment of another person or a situation – an assessment that will carry through the remainder of the relationship. And while what we say may have an impact on how another person perceives us, studies have shown that much of our first impressions are based on body language.

Body Language is comprised of various elements that when projected collectively, send non-verbal cues as to a person's overall personality. Something as simple as a handshake or a person's posture can make a much stronger impact in an introduction than anything a person says. The absence of a firm grip or posture more befitting of Quasimodo are likely to make a poor first impression that unfortunately, will likely be difficult to overcome.

Body language reaches beyond the arenas of just what we are doing with our full, physical being. Eye contact and voice tone also play into body language, and we can often lose sight of how these pieces fit into the full puzzle. The inability to maintain eye contact with someone can convey a lack of respect or personal confidence or can be perceived as dishonesty (Reiman, 2008). The ability to maintain a low voice can also convey dominance and confidence.

In Module One, we were introduced to John, first as an extrovert, then as an introvert. In each scenario, John exhibits behaviors that are typically classified as either “extrovert” behaviors or “introvert” behaviors. Before determining how he is viewed in each scenario, it is important to understand what deems one an extrovert versus an introvert.

Miriam-Webs...

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...der, it is vitally important to recognize the power of first impressions and understand how they carry through the longevity of a relationship. A team member's first impression of me will have long-terms effects. Conversely, while first impressions are a powerful tool, situational first impressions must be acknowledged. Like John, varying situations will result in varying behaviors from people. John the Extrovert and John the Introvert were likely the same John. The situation was the powerful variable in our first impression of John.

References

Bernard, S. (2004). First Impressions. Harper's Bazaar, (3507), 120. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Clark, D. (2010). First Impressions. Retrieved from http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/impress.html

Reiman, T. (2008). First impressions really matter. Communication World, 25(4), 28-31. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.