The way you present yourself has a direct correlation to the way people perceive you. If you want to create the right perception about you then Appearance management is the easiest and most effective way to start with.
It’s a Myth to say that appearance does not matter if you have the subject knowledge or talent.
The fact is appearance matters for you to get that opportunity to display your knowledge and talent.
When it comes to appearance, there are only so many things that we can control. In reality, what really matters the most is something we can control. Research says a third of executives consider polish and grooming as being important to create good impressions. Fortunately, the things you can’t control like height or body type isn’t what matters most, it’s more about what you do with the things you have got.
It’s really about putting in some effort and caring about your physical appearance and look as appropriate as possible for your specific environment.
When you put effort into how well put together you look, you signal to those around you that you take yourself and your role seriously. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a three-piece suit every day! You have to dress appropriately for the role you are playing.
Your appearance makes a statement – First, to you and then, to others.
Another word for “appearance” is “IMAGE”
Your image is constantly at work. It can work for you or against you. It can be a major asset in achieving your goals or, it can be a tremendous liability that holds you back without you ever knowing why.
To further understand the importance of appearance lets have a look at Prof Albert Mehrabian's 7-38-55 Rule of Personal Communication
Simply put Non-verbal or Visual Communication accounts to a major part of the communication model.
Visual Communication - Appearance
They Say a Picture is worth a thousand words and so the picture you first present says so much about you to the person you are meeting.
Is your first appearance saying the right thing to help create the right first impression?
You Only Have 7 Seconds To Make A Strong First Impression.
So it is crucial that you invest time and make it a practice to pay attention to all details of your appearance.
Lets now understand the
4 A’s of Appearance Management
- Appropriate
- Authentic
- Attractive
- Affordable
To wear appropriate clothes, Ask yourself
- When and where will I be going? (time, place, culture)
- What will I be doing? (a situation, occasion)
- Who will I be with—who will see me?
- What do I want or need to accomplish? (interaction, outcome, goals)
- What message or statement do I want or need my clothes to make to meet expectations and accomplish goals? (desired perception—for myself and for others)
- What clothes will communicate my message?
Now let's know about Body Language
Body Language is an outward reflection of a person’s emotional condition. Adapting a positive body language that shows interest, enthusiasm, and positive reactions to what some else is saying are very important. How you communicate with your body is important because research shows that 60% to 90% of communication is nonverbal. To many, body language is considered the most important aspect of communication as it sends signals to how we are truly feeling.
Few Tips for you keep positive body language
Posture: Keep a relaxed posture. Back straight and let the shoulders relax. This shows that you feel comfortable with your surroundings.
Use Space: Try sitting or standing with your legs apart a bit. This will reinforce that you are at ease with your self
Eye Contact: Looking into the person’s eyes while talking, shows confidence. Remember to blink and look away occasionally. Good eye contact lets others know that you are interested in the conversation.
Handshake: The handshake is one of the most important nonverbal communication cues because it can set the mood for the entire conversation. A firm handshake will give you instant credibility while a weak handshake will make you appear fragile.
Arms: Crossing your arms is the visual clue that you are turned off by what is going on around you. Practice hanging your arms comfortably at your side or bringing your hands together in your lap to show others that you are open to what they are communicating.
Leaning in slightly when someone is speaking demonstrates that you are actively listening while leaning away signals that you are disinterested or hostile to the situation.
Affirmative movements: Show empathy with simple actions of agreement like nodding your head or smiling.
Good body language can be trained. You can do this by rehearsing or practicing in front of colleagues.
Some examples of bad body language include: turning your back to the audience, moving around too much, or hiding behind a desk. Gesturing also can have a bad influence on your talk. Being too aggressive in your gestures, drumming your fingers or even biting your nails are also bad examples.
Few General Etiquette to practice:
- Stand up when you’re being introduced to someone. This helps establish your presence.
- Always say your full name when introducing yourself.
- Always initiate the handshake if you’re the higher-ranking person or host.
- Only say "thank you" once or twice during a conversation. If you overuse the term, you’ll dilute its impact and make yourself seem needy or helpless.
- When you are talking to someone Leave your phone in your pocket. Use it only when absolutely necessary.
- Keep your fingers together when you point. Never point with just an index finger—it’s too aggressive. Instead, point with an open palm and keep your fingers together.
- Make a polite exit from every meeting or conversation.
Before we conclude few Grooming essentials to follow:
Grooming means keeping clean; dressing well and being presentable to others. It is an Art of Self Presentation and it plays a major part in our overall appearance
Face:
Your face is the first point of contact when you meet someone. You don’t need makeup to make a good impression. Just keep your nostrils clean, your eyes crust-free, eyebrows trimmed, and avoid unwanted facial hair.
And don't forget to keep that SMILE on.
Skin:
As a general rule, keep your skin clean and dry. Not sweaty or sticky. Use good skin products to keep your skin refreshed.
Keep a tidy hairstyle:
Nails: keep them trimmed neatly. Women, avoid having chipped nail polish
Feet:
No cracked heels. No dirty toenails. Avoid smelly socks.
If you tend to sweat too much through your feet, put some baby powder in your shoes before wearing them. It won’t do any changes to your appearance, but it will definitely help you not feel self-conscious about your sweaty feet. And that will help you focus your mind on other important tasks around you.
Shoes:
Wear the right fit and Keep away smelly socks
Conclusion :
Always remember that The way you look is the way you feel and you behave and it has a direct impact on the way other people respond to you.
You need to look like who you say you are. All details of dress, grooming, and body language are in sync, in harmony, and serve to support you in the achievement of your goals.
If you have any Questions, Feel free to comment them below!
Your comments help us to improve in serving you better