First Impressions: How Do First Impressions Strike Us?

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First Impressions How do first impressions strike us? Growing up one usually learns that first impressions are lasting impressions. This old cliché certainly makes sense when you think about it. People often make assumptions about their personal interactions with others based on these often fleeting encounters. In general, people can make the mistake of sizing someone up based on their own personal values and beliefs. Individuals tend to have preconceived notions about people that can be situational, often making snap judgments based solely on visual perceptions. It is human nature to believe what you see and then set personal expectations that one’s behavior will support the first impression. I attended a seminar once that has stuck with me for more many years. While waiting in my seat for the lecture to start this man was walking around trying to strike up conversations with seminar attendees. My first impression of him was he was in the wrong place based solely on what I could see. His clothes were inappropriate for this event; he appeared un-kept, and seemed to make people uncomfortable as I watched ladies clinch their handbag as if they were afraid he would grab it and run. This would be our first impression of the day’s speaker. As he took the stage he spoke about first impressions and stereotypical beliefs, while during the course of the lecture he began to change his appearance. By the end of the seminar he was well groomed, dressed in a three piece suit and no longer instilled fear in the guests of the conference. Ironically, most if not all of the people in the room made the same assumptions that I did; black man, dressed like a rapper, getting to close to people had to mean trouble. I felt ashamed of... ... middle of paper ... ...y traits, which categorize them as an introvert or extrovert, most people only get one chance to make a great first impression. People’s expectations of behaviors are generally consistent with first impressions; meaning early perceptions are gained based on actions and words. People generally believe how they see you in that moment is in fact how you behave all of the time. Right or wrong, understanding the psychology behind the importance of first impressions and how others perceive the interaction is very important. Works Cited Pawlik-Kienlen, L. (2007). What are extroverted personality traits?. Psychology@Suite 101. Retrieved from http://www.suite101.com/content/the-extrovert-a13731 Pawlik-Kienlen, L. (2007). What are introverted personality traits?. Psychology@Suite 101. Retrieved from http://www.suite101.com/content/the-introvert-a13661

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