Non-verbal communication is so important during any situation in which you have the opportunity to meet people. In fact, we judge people generally in the first few seconds of seeing or meeting them. A major component of non-verbal communication is your appearance. How you communicate yourself physically is a reflection on your integrity and tells others what kind of person you are.
Below are 6 ideas to help you improve your appearance. Some of these ideas are reminders and some may be new thoughts for you. After all, first impressions can make or break your ability to build relationships.
1. Keep your hair well groomed. Before you enter a room full of people, take a look at yourself in the mirror. Chances are that the wind has blown it around so fix this before others see it out of place.
2. Keep your shoes well shined. The more you wear your shoes the more they will get scuffed. Make sure that you get regular shoe shines so they look top quality at all times.
3. Watch for shirt holes and stains. Before you put your shirts or other clothes on each morning, double check for any holes or stains. It is better that you catch this at home than someone else noticing this because you want to come across as a polished professional.
4. Wear your nametag in the correct position. When attending events, it is important that you wear a nametag so people can easily identify who you are. Also, it is crucial and insightful if you wear it in the correct position, which is high and on the right side of your body. As you shake hands with your right hand, you want the nametag to be in the line of sight so wear it on the right side of your body.
5. Dress appropriately in every situation. If you will be attending an event, then take the time to research or talk to people about what you should wear. Regardless, you can’t ever go wrong with professional attire. So, more times than not dress professional.
6. Clean your face and teeth. It is easy to forget to check your face and mouth after you eat something. Before and during any meeting make sure that you go to the bathroom and clean any food from your face and teeth. The last thing you want people to see is what you ate for lunch.
Remember that your appearance is a component of your personal brand. At all costs, you want to have a positive and memorable brand so take this serious.
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Great post Jason! I linked to it in Jim Sharp and put a sharpening spin on it. Hopeful my readers will take your advice to heart. I enjoy your blog!
Posted by: Jim O'Donnell | February 12, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Thanks Jim for the nice comments and link back in your post.
Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | February 12, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Thanks for taking the time to chat about this, I feel fervently about this and I benefit from learning about this subject. Please, as you gain information, please add to this blog with more information. I have found it really useful.
Posted by: Rerto Jordans | August 17, 2010 at 07:51 PM
This last thing you want people to see is what you ate for lunch.
Posted by: Web Design Tampa | May 11, 2011 at 05:16 AM
Improving your appearance doesn't need to be a daunting task, nor does it necessarily entail an expensive overhaul of your closet or a grooming makeover.
Posted by: crowd SPRING | July 09, 2011 at 03:26 AM
This is very well said that FIRST IMPRESSION IS THE LAST IMPRESSION!thus appearance is the most important part of non vernal communication.Thanks for the tips above.
Posted by: WebVisible | July 22, 2011 at 09:01 AM