Image Development is the science and art of creating a Powerful First Impression. In the first thirty seconds people make judgments about you on a subconscious level, based on what they see, hear and sense. You are in control of your First Impression – and check out the simple keys below for creating positive and powerful first impressions.
Here are 10 Keys to Creating a Powerful and Polished First Impression
1. Smile! A genuine smile, one that reaches your eyes and shines through your face and body language, is one that will encourage people to smile back. It makes strangers more comfortable with you, makes you seem more approachable, and gives a sense of comfort to those around you. A fake or forced smile is insincere and everyone knows it…to use a fake smile calls into question everything else about you. If your smile is not genuine, how can anyone take what you say seriously? It’s an unnecessary hurdle in an already difficult and competitive world.
2. Use direct eye contact – You can convey power, authority and presence by using direct eye contact, and direct eye contact also conveys trustworthiness and confidence. The old stereotypes about being wary of a person with “shifty eyes” still exist, and if you do not make eye contact with people you are speaking with – at least occasionally, you may also be seen as overly shy, lacking in confidence, or powerless. Be careful not to stare hard at another person, however, or you could convey a more confrontational attitude.
3. Wear colors compatible with your basic coloring – Human beings belong primarily to one of two color groups: warm or cool. People with warm coloring look best in yellow-based colors like gold, warm reds, golden browns, and rich ivory. People with cool coloring look best in blue-based colors like true reds, blues, greens and winter white. Your eye, hair and skin tone help determine whether you are cool or warm, and that helps determine what colors look best on you! Wearing colors that conflict with your natural color balance will create an “off” look that people may not be able to describe exactly, but they will know something is not quite right. You may be asked if you feel well – that’s one indication that you may not be wearing the right colors.
4. Have great Hair Days! – Don’t fight your natural hair texture. If you have extremely curly hair, find a hairdresser that has the skill and patience to cut naturally curly hair and celebrate it. You can develop a unique presence by your hairstyle, so if it’s straight, wavy, kinky, curly or nappy, enjoy it, and get a hairstyle that works with your natural texture. It’ll save you time and aggravation over fighting to straighten extra-curly hair, or trying to get kinky hair to lie flat like newspaper. Styling will become easier and your public image will be more consistently attractive and authentic.
5. Choose makeup that is compatible with your basic coloring – Your best clothing colors depend on whether you are cool or warm and so do your best makeup colors. If you’ve been color-draped and know your “temperature”, that will help determine what colors of makeup are best for your skin. Warm brown or peach blushes look best on warm skins, and light pinks and true reds look best on cool skins. Not every woman can wear every color, and anyone who tells you otherwise is doing you a disservice. Find out whether your coloring is cool or warm, then continue into a Flow Color draping, and determine your best makeup and wardrobe colors for a more beautiful you.
6. Watch those lines! – Every day that you get dressed, you are sending a message. If you purchase clothing based on it’s effect on your body frame and choose items that celebrate your best features, getting dressed will no longer become an occasion for anxiety, but one of joy and happiness! The right proportions of clothing can make you look younger and thinner (or fuller, if you want that!) or they can make you look dowdy, matronly or unfinished. Choose to look your best in clothing that flatters your silhouette, body frame and size.
7. Express yourself! – Choose accessories that bring in your personality. If you have a vibrant, lively personality, let it show through in your accessories. A colorful or elaborate hat for special occasions, a special pin or scarf, or for gentlemen, a favorite tie or cufflinks can make the difference between a me-too business or personal outfit and a ‘Uniquely Me’ outfit that makes you stand out from the crowd. Celebrate your personality and individual style in your accessories, and you’ll be better dressed!
8. Make it all compatible – We all know that you shouldn’t wear summer sandals with a winter wool suit, but did you know that certain combinations of fabrics and materials are just as improper in combination? Choose similar fabric weights and textures to avoid looking “thrown together”. You want to have a consistently great appearance every day, not hit or miss. While there are some occasions and professions that allow and even encourage unconventional fabric and color pairings, a total look that is confident, fashionable and sophisticated can be more easily achieved with a minimum of fuss and bother if you keep compatibility in mind when creating your wardrobe.
9. Avoid over-use of trendy items – The trend of the moment may not be right for you! Some of the fashion trends that have come and gone include micro-minis, hot pants, the ‘grunge’ look, psychedelic eye makeup and others. Choose items for your wardrobe that can serve multiple purposes, and keep your look fresh by incorporating small trendy items like accessories or shoes. Don’t create an entire ‘trend’ outfit – you’ll look dated as soon as the trend changes.
10. Spend well, not often – Use the principle of Capsule Wardrobing to choose several base colors that look great on you, then mix and match pieces using accent and complimentary colors to create a workable, professional and easy-to-wear wardrobe that won’t cost an arm and a leg as you try to keep up with the “trend of the moment”. You can purchase just 12 garments in 3 basic colors, plus 1 or 2 accent colors, and create 35 – 40 different outfits!
What message are you sending with your Image? Are you displaying a current look without being a slave to the trend of the moment; is your look finished, complete and together, or is your Image in need of an update?
This article was written by Dianne M. Daniels. Get more great advice from Diva Toolbox Media Diva Dianne M. Daniels at http://www.diannedanielsspeaks