Our Appearance Gives out Messages – Reminders and Tips

Last week I discussed how our appearance gives out messages to people.  When we dress well, including being well groomed, and walk with confidence we give out a positive message that we know who we are and where we are going. I, also asked you to ask yourself what kind of message you think you give out. Well here are some suggestions on how to make the most of yourself and represent who you want to be and how you want to come across to people.

Here are some reminders and tips to help you:

Appearance

Good grooming is about perfecting the fine details of your appearance. If you are clean, polished and look presentable people straightaway think you are professional in your work and are more trustworthy than someone who looks scruffy.  Always check, before going out, in a full-length mirror how your clothes look on you from front and back and check them during the day. Being well groomed some days and not others indicates you are not consistent and therefore not reliable.

Well-fitted clothes show your figure at its best and distract from your weaker areas.  The clothes look like they belong to you and make the difference between being poorly dressed and well dressed. Clothes that are too tight bring attention to the area that is probably your weakest. Items that are too big will make look out of proportion. Wrinkles create horizontal lines! Having alterations is often essential and the extra expense is well worth it. You will look better, feel great and the clothes will last longer.

Personality – you need to feel good as well as look good and that is different for different people. To feel comfortable we need to wear clothes that represent our personality. Your style will indicate whether you are conservative, chic, dramatic, romantic, formal or informal,  sporty, trendy, artistic or theatrical. Check out my blog on this subject or for full details and information purchase my book from Amazon “Being Truly You Discovering Your Own Unique Personality ” for Men or for Women.

Body language

1. Posture – Don’t slouch. Give eye contact and remember to smile.
2. Greeting people – greet properly with a firm (but not too firm), dry handshake, smile and give eye contact.
3. Work friendships – keep in mind work and personal friendships are quite different. Don’t gossip or give too much information away about your personal life.
4. Be a good listener – pay attention to people, not gadgets. Show interest in others and they will show interest in you. Give active signs of listening – nod or comment e.g. ah, oh or mm.
5. Your voice conveys a variety of feelings – anxiety, concern or interest. It can betray your mood, sound positive or negative.
6. The use of space is important. A powerful individual feels quite comfortable taking a lot of space and will use expansive gestures.

Your Voice

• Your voice conveys a variety of feelings – anxiety, concern or interest. It can betray your mood, sound positive or negative.
• When talking, you need to consider pitch, tone, rhythm and speed of your voice.
• Your voice is particularly important on the telephone – ensure you speak clearly, concisely and at the correct level of tone.
• Smile when leaving a greeting or message on the telephone.

It’s about how you look, how you feel, and how  positive you are when you meet people.