First Impressions Essay - 3194 Words

Research suggests that first impressions are created within the first few minutes of meeting someone. Discuss the factors that affect our perception of people and some of the elements that impact our accuracy or otherwise of first impressions, e.g. in an interview situation, first date, etc. People take initial information about appearance, body language, what you say and more importantly how you say it and then form a judgment very quickly as to what type of person you are. First impressions are mainly based on facial features and body language as well as various generalisations and bias which affect the accuracy of those perceptions. From physical appearance to choice in clothing; from religion and race to social class and level†¦show more content†¦This is one of the most important aspects of a positive first impression. A smile is the first thing we subconsciously look for as it shows that the person we are meeting is not a threat to us. According to Paul Ekman, we can pick up a smile from 30 meters away (Flora 2004 pg 60). A smile is the single most powerful way to make a person relax their guard and gives a more positive first impression. It shows friendliness, but not all smiles are equal and it is hard to tell the difference between a real smile and a forced smile. The difference lies in which part of the brain is used to create it. When a smile is real the message travels via the amygdala region and then to other areas in the brain which control facial muscles including those around the eyes. This tends to create more lines around the corners of the eyes and makes the eyebrow dip slightly (The human mind 2003). A forced smile takes a more direct root from another area in the brain which then triggers movement but this signal cannot reach as many muscles, especially around the eyes. (Demarais, White Alderman 2004) Recognising facial features is a remarkable ability we have from the very second we are born. According to (Etcoff, 1999) physical good looks can have a positive effect in terms of first impressions. Physical appearance plays a vital role in peoples perceptions of each other. A brief glance is all that is needed to make a judgment on how attractive a person is andShow MoreRelatedEssay First Impressions1179 Words   |  5 PagesIn every first encounter with another person, we make judgments about them almost immediately based on a few simple factors. In the first few seconds upon meeting a new acquaintance we will take in and subconsciously process their age, choice in style of clothes, hair, their posture and the way that they carry themselves. In that short time we will form subconscious opinions about them based on our own personal prejudices and bias. After the first initial visual judgment we generally move intoRead MoreThe Lasting Effects of First Impressions Essay587 Words   |  3 PagesA first impression is a lasting impression. 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Importance of First Impressions By definition an impression is, â€Å"a characteristicRead MoreFirst Impressions Essay994 Words   |  4 PagesFirst impressions are what set the tone in any situation, personal or professional, and ultimately determine how we proceed behaviorally in that situation. Within a matter of seconds, a person will make their assessment of another person or a situation – an assessment that will carry through the remainder of the relationship. And while what we say may have an impact on how another person perceives us, studies have shown that much of our first impressions are based on body language. Body LanguageRead MoreThe Wave Of An Ocean Wave2283 Words   |  10 Pagesindividual will realize and form his/her own opinions, and thus come crashing down to reality. In order for an individual to recognize the truth, they have to be able to notice and see a change between the other person. When faced with an awkward first impression, a positive perspective of another person can be hard to obtain. Through the loving actions of others, people can experience a positive change of heart. Two novels that demonstrate these different characteristics are Pride and Prejudice and Beauty: