We all have been in a situation where we meet new people for the first time. Either enrolling in a new school, interviewing for a job, or just simply going to a party and meeting new people who happen to be at the party as well; our lives are filled with first encounters and we develop impressions about those people we encounter. To simplify the understanding a first impression is “like a Polaroid picture” (Flora,2004). They are brief snapshots that we use to gain physical knowledge about the new people we make. Along with the pre-determined values and ideas we conceptualize what a person may or may not be like. With a sheer glance at person we instantly have a generalization about a person without even saying a word. With these first impressions it is important for people to project a good first impression so as not to be seen negatively with pre-determined judgments. Falling into the trap of appearing negative can have adverse affects of what people will think. No matter what the impending conversation holds, a person’s first impression is what will stick the most. In the two scenarios of John as either an extrovert or as an introvert, the words paint a picture of what we think of a person only based off brief moments and sudden accounts. Each account allows us to formulate an opinion about John and what type of person he is only based off a couple of paragraphs. John in the first scenario is described as an extrovert, or “a friendly person who likes being with and talking to other people; an outgoing person” (Extrovert, 2012). John wants to be around people and likes to talk to people. He finds joy in being around others, and he projects that in the confidence he offers. When other people see him they are hard pressed not to ... ... middle of paper ... ...scriptions. This is not the best way to understand how a person works or acts, conversation is eventually the ultimate way to do that. The first impression does show that it is important to show off the goods. Employers and people we network with have to make snap judgments about people, and these first impressions are the foundation to these meetings. So making the most of our first impressions really goes a long way in attracting people to like you. References Extrovert. (2012). In Merriam-Webster: Learner's Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.learnersdictionary.com/search/extrovert Flora, C. (2004, June). The once-over can you trust first impressions?. Psychology Today, 37(3), 60-66. Master FILE Premier, Retrieved from EBSCOhost Introvert. (2012). In Merriam-Webster: Learner's Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.learnersdictionary.com/search/introvert
First impressions are usually lasting impressions. Within the first thirty seconds, without any conscious effort, an image or opinion is formed influenced by cues perceived by our sensory organs. Though sometimes misleading, first impressions can be an accurate representation of a person, and once formed very difficult to change. Ability to assess at such a rate exhibits the involvement of the senses working together and the complexity each one may contribute. The role of Olfaction is studied (Sorokowska, 2013) in relation to accurately identifying first impression personality traits based solely on body odor.
Encountering new people is a constant happening for everyone. Appearance, gender, posture, and age dictates how people form first impressions. In tenth of a second, someone can elaborate a mental image of someone whom they don’t even know. The more time someone has to judge someone by their first encounter, the more confident that person is in their judgement (Boutin 1). The accuracy of first impressions are underestimated.
First Impressions First impressions are very important. In the Victorian age, people based their whole opinion of someone on first impressions. Most times the first impression of someone is not the way they truly are. Sometimes a first impression can cause you to think negative of someone but later you find out that they are very nice and a very positive person. One example is when Mr. Darcy meets Elizabeth in the book ,Pride and Prejudice.
Norton, M. I., Frost, J. H., & Ariely, D. (2011). Does familiarity breed contempt or liking? Comment on Reis, Maniaci, Caprariello, Eastwick, and Finkel (2011). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(3), 571-574. doi:10.1037/a0023202
Americans sometimes have trouble making first impressions.Although many factors can affect someone's first impression, Statistic show that 55 percent of first impressions is actually about appearance and body language. Which means depending on how someones day is going can potentially affect their first impression.How people first present themselves the first time they meet can change they way someone may view their character.
First impressions are created by a composite of signals given off by a new experience (Flora, 2004). The judgment of these impressions depends on the observer and the person being observed (Flora, 2004). When you meet someone for the first time it takes about three seconds to be evaluated by the observer (Mind Tools, 1996-2011,). During this time the person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, and how you dress (Mind Tools, 2996-2011,). Impressions are important to us because they are impossible to be reserved and the set the tone for all the relationships that follow (Mind Tools, 1996-2011).
First impressions are the most significant factor governing the likelihood of further communication between the parties in the future. Meeting and exceeding first impression expectations create a baseline standard for how future meetings or correspondences proceed. Failing to meet or exceed those expectations decrease the probability of further communication.
Impression management is a social phenomenon that occurs in our daily life both consciously and unconsciously. “It is the act of presenting a favorable public image of oneself so that others will form positive judgments.” (Newman 184) Our first impressions of a person are always based on physical appearance and we compare them to the norms of our society. We can all admit to the initial meeting of a person and first noticing their age, gender, race, or other ascribed characteristics. Our cultural norms are ideas such that fat is “ugly” which are very different across societies and time. Also, impression management is an idea of how individuals interact in different social situations. “Sociologists refer to dramaturgy as the study of social interactions as theater, in which people (“actors”) project images (“play roles”) in front of others (“the audience”).” (Newman 169) This is our human need for acceptance and way of managing the impressions we give others and perform what we think people want to see. Our social life is governed by this concept but it only works with effective front-stage and back-stage separation. Our front-stage is the visible part of ourselves that we allow others to see unlike our hidden back-stage self.
The first impression you have when meeting someone is their appearance, which makes it easy to judge people based on how they
Based on my stranger’s comments, I assume he is a shy, introverted person most of the time but occasionally breaks out of his shell and talks to people. On the first day, he was non-social, but on the second he was very communicative to his surrounding peers. From this and his dress for both the days, I assume, if he is trying to look sharp, he will be more conversational to those around him. This is indicated by his fashionable outfit on the second day and plain outfit on the first.
What is a first impression anyway? It is probably the judgement a person makes on another based on the way he or she talks and acts in the first meeting. But in a lot of cases, first impressions are made based on the stereotypes, especially racial ones, that person fit in.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This is a common mantra from parents, professional coaches, and other mentors. First impressions are formed based upon analysis of the person’s behaviors and traits, often using our own values and beliefs as a gauge. Once formed, first impressions may be difficult to change. My first impressions of John painted him in a specific light. Upon reversal and reflection I was challenged to look beyond my initial findings and seek a deeper understanding. The same situations may happen in the relationship between leaders and followers. What if we took the time to take a second look at our first impression? How can we revise someone else’s first impression of us? In order to successfully motivate their followers, leaders must be cautious of first impressions and their impact on determining the best approach.
Nauert, Rick. (2009). “First Impressions Are Important For Trusting Relationship.” PsychCentral. Online. Available: http://psychcentral.com/news /2009/01/08/first-impressions-are-important-for-trusting-relationship/3600.html. 4 March 2011.
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” A first impression is a person’s initial mental image of another person. It is formed upon the very first meeting of two people. Everyone makes and receives first impressions. Our physical appearance is the biggest factor that influences others’ first impression toward someone else.
Finally, as you can see, first impressions do have a great affect on people who meet you. They are the base of all relationships. First impressions are very important socially, educationally, and employment wise. Impressions on people usually last forever. Although people have second impressions, the first ones are very important.