Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Looking the Part

A person who has a strong sense of personal worth makes a confident, positive appearance. Looking the part is important as it influences the people around us. It will provide a boost to confidence and in turn a boost to your performance. Once higher performance is obtained, it will then cycle back and make you more confident. Looking the part is an important part of being more assertive and confident as it is relatively quick and easy to do and pays off great dividends.

The Importance of Appearance

In the dictionary, appearance is defined as an external show or outward aspect. Your confidence depends significantly on your personal thoughts and perceptions about the way you look. Appearance is as important today as it ever was. The first thing we notice when meeting someone new is their appearance. That is why it is important as you only have one first impression. Put forward your best self.

The Role of Body Language

Body language is a form of non-verbal communication involving the use of stylized gestures, postures, and physiologic signs which act as cues to other people. Humans unconsciously send and receive non-verbal signals through body language all the time. If a conflict arises between your words and your body language, your body language governs. The components of body language include:

Eye contact: The impact of your message is affected by the amount of eye contact you maintain with the person with whom you are speaking. One who makes eye contact is normally perceived as more favorable and confident.

Posture: Find comfortable sitting and standing postures that work for you; avoid any rigid or slouching positions.

Excessive or unrelated head, facial, hand and body movement: Too much movement can divert attention from the verbal message. Your facial expressions should match the type of statement you are making. Smiling when saying “I like you” and frowning when saying “I am annoyed with you" would reinforce the messages.

Until next time ...

 




Sheryl Tuchman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

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