How to Make a First Impression that Rocks!

Albert Mehrabian, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, UCLA, completed a study in 1971 that determined that there are basically three elements in any face-to-face communication: words, tone of voice and body language. People’s feelings toward you are based on these three areas. What would you guess is the percentage that each of these elements carries?

The study showed that whether or not someone likes or dislikes you has little to do with what you say but more how you say it. Words account for 7%, tone of voice accounts for 38%, and body language accounts for 55% of whether or not they like you. These statistics have been used over and over in speeches on communication techniques because most people are surprised to learn that whether or not they will be liked or disliked is based 93% on their non-verbal communication.

Your eye contact, your facial expressions, the position of your head, arms and body these are all indicators of your attitude and who you are. If you cannot look someone in the eye, they wonder what it is you are hiding. A smile is the universal symbol of warmth and kindness. It is very hard to be mean, rude or disinterested in someone who is smiling at you. If your shoulders are back and your head is straight you exude confidence. People will want to know who you are and what you have to say. Nod your head. It shows that you are attentive, in agreement and listening. Keep you hands in sight out of your pockets but not fidgeting with hair or jewelry.

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