DEVELOPING A PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE
Center for Professional Communication
The New Professional Image
Professional Presence
A dynamic blend of poise, self-confidence, control and style
Empowers us to be able to command respect in any situation
Permits us to project confidence that others can quickly perceive
Permits us to rise above the crowd
The Importance of Making a Good First Impression First impressions are lasting ones First impressions are the first step in
building a long-term relationship The secret to making a good
first impression: Social generosity Putting the emotional focus on
the other person(s)
The Importance of Making a Good First Impression The Primacy Effect
The tendency to form impressions quickly at the time of initial meeting
Later information is either ignored or reinterpreted based on initial framework
First impressions represent 100% of what they know about you at that point
The Importance of Makinga Good First Impression The First Few Seconds Our thinking is not always rational Decisions happen subconsciously in a
split second Assumptions vs. Facts Initial impressions are made up of
assumptions and facts The briefer the encounter, the greater
the chance for misinformation
Major Factors That Form Your Image
Surface Language
Surface Language: A pattern of immediate impressions conveyed by appearance
What contributes to your surface language? Basic principles of appearance that
withstand time: If you want the job, look the part If you want the promotion, look promotable If you want respect, dress as well or better
than industry standards
Wardrobe Engineering
Wardrobe Engineering: Describes how clothing and accessories can create a certain image
Effective packaging is an individual matter based on a variety of factors
What factors should be considered when deciding if an
ensemble is appropriate?
Appropriate Business Professional for Men
Appropriate Business Professional for Women
The Business Casual Look
The Business Casual Look Movement toward greater
comfort and individuality Wear dressier business
clothing when meeting with customers or clients
Wear clothing that is clean, neat and fits well
Appropriate Business Casual for Men
Appropriate Business Casual for Women
Facial Expression
After overall appearance, facial expressions are the most visible part of you
Provides clues to identify the inner feelings of another
Strongly influence people’s reactions to each other
Entrance & Carriage
The way you enter an office or business meeting can influence the image you project
Project self-confidence with: a strong stride a friendly smile good posture a genuine sense of energy
Voice Quality & Speech
Voice qualities that contribute to your image:
Tone of voice Rate of speech (tempo) Volume Ability to pronounce (diction)
Your Handshake
The message the handshake sends depends on several factors:
Degree of firmness Degree of dryness of hands Duration of grip Depth of interlock Eye contact during
handshake
Etiquette
Dining Etiquette Pay attention to table manners Order food that is easily controlled, not
messy Meeting Etiquette Start and end positively and on time Speak to the topic Summarize and recap responsibilities
Etiquette
Cell Phone Etiquette Don’t use in meetings, elevators, restaurants Talk in a normal speaking voice Ask disturbing cell users to take the call in
private
Conversational Etiquette Don’t be too informal, too fast Avoid foul language, sensitive terms, slang
Etiquette
Networking Etiquette Introduce yourself and what you do Avoid negative talk Follow up with contacts Send a thank you note to anyone helpful
to you
Incivility: The Ultimate Career Killer Civility is a form of social generosity
The Job Interview
Communicate the image that you are someone that is conscientious
Show that you care enough to make a good impression