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A PROGRAM OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
 

IOM Blog

March 10, 2016

What Makes a Good First Impression

According to Forbes magazine, our brains make a thousand computations during the first seven seconds we see someone. Are you trustworthy, confident, likeable, or competent? Within seven seconds, a decision has been made, even though you probably haven’t even said hello.

First impressions are more heavily influenced by our nonverbal cues, and sometimes we become lax in our actions or appearance and send out the wrong message.

Have you ever joined a webinar and then picked up a file or turned your attention away from the camera?  Your actions declare, “What you’re saying isn’t important to me,” even though you would never turn your attention away if you were meeting in person. Is that what you meant to say?

There are three channels of communication:

Visual – Body language and facial expressions.

Verbal – The words that we actually say.

Vocal  – The way we say it (inflection in our voice).

It’s important that we tune into all these channels in order to effectively communicate. Keep in mind that your body language (visual) actually trumps the verbal in communication. Tuning into all three channels can help us understand circumstances and avoid misunderstandings.

We have all heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Experts say:

  • 55 percent of first impressions are made by what we see (visual).
  • 38 percent is the way we hear your first words (vocal).
  • 7 percent are the actual words you say (verbal).

Did you hear that? That means 93 percent of someone’s opinion has nothing to do with what you actually say!

Here’s a list of a few common mistakes we often make:

  1. Slouching: This body language expresses our lack of desire to be in the situation, let alone in the conversation. Lean toward your colleague to show interest.
  2. Failure to make eye contact: Looking past or around someone makes you seem disengaged.  Even if you’re shy, look them right in the eye, even if you have to look away for a moment.  Glance down and then back to their eyes/face.
  3. Nodding: We do this to let people know we are listening, but it can be misinterpreted as agreement. Tilting your head from side to side is a better alternative than the “yes” nod.
  4. Closed arms: Whether crossed in front or tight by your side, you are sending the message, “I’m unapproachable.” Loosen up, bend the elbows, and relax.

My challenge to you is to pay attention to your body language over the next few days. Smile more often, open up those arms, and become more approachable. Together we can make this world a friendlier place. Remember the quote by Gandhi, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

Avatar photo
Jackie Rakers, IOM, PFMM
Past Chair, Midwest Institute Board of Regents
Executive Director, Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies

Jackie Rakers, IOM, PFMM is the executive director for the Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (IAMIC). Jackie received the IOM recognition from Institute in 2010 and serves as past chair of the Midwest Institute Board of Regents. In addition, Jackie maintains her Professional Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) designation with the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) and also was selected in 2007 to be part of the Merit Society through NAMIC. Jackie is active in her local community, where she has served as a Village Board Member since 1995. She received the Woman of Achievement Award in 2001 for her work within the community. A member of the Toastmaster’s organization, Jackie has received her Competent Communicator (CC) award, is a mentor and past president of the Montgomery County Toastmasters, and is currently organizing the club’s first speech craft. Jackie is the proud of mother of three children and resides in Ohlman, Illinois along with her husband Dave.

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