About To Speak? First Impressions

The opening of your speech has always been deemed über-important because that's when you have everyone's attention. Audiences also use those first few seconds to decide whether or not to even listen any further.

Now, some researchers are telling us that that the decision is being made even earlier.

It turns out that your "audience" starts deciding all about you as you get up and start moving toward your starting point or podium. People create a first impression about you as their minds place you into the role of "speaker." Then, that impression impacts how they interpret everything  you do thereafter.

It's not fair; it just is.

Not everyone agrees with this conclusion. Some claim that the first impression is not as strong as many believe. Others think that we get a chance to form a "second first impression" after a first meeting. Even if this is true, why take the chance?

Speakers and sales reps would be well-served to err on the side of a good first impression.

More importantly: your mom told you years ago it was the right thing to do. She's watching.

Comments

[Harris Silverman]

I think it's true that people start evaluating you right from the start, but they continually modify and adjust their ideas about you with every contact and with every minute that goes by. They may form impressions as you get up and start moving toward the podium, but if that impression is contradicted by what you say when you start talking, they will adjust.

Harris Silverman
www.HarrisSilverman.com

[Jackie Cameron]

In our public speaking skills training we teach our participants how to walk to the podium because all too often speakers kind of either "skulk" there instead of striding out confidently or start speaking before the audience realises that they are there!

But the whole "impression" think is very interesting and I am also interested in Harris's point. I have been pleasantly suprised by speakers who have not started out well and really disappointed by speakers whose great stage presence and attention grabbing opening did not last the course.

The bottom line though is the point you make so well Steve - why take the chance. Looking tidy, organised and confident cannot do any harm so surely it's worthwhile taking some time to get that right.

[Helen Tucker]

First impression is Very Very important.
And I noticed that people pay attention two several things like body language, voice tone and speed of our speaking.

Actually from my own experience I can say that fisrt impression plays an important role in life and our reaction doesn't depend on mind. It depends on psychology :)

[Daniel Rose]

I agree with Harris' comment. First impressions count, but so does every other impression. The time to make a good one is now.

[Kelley]

I agree that an audience's impression of a speaker begins before the speaker even says his/her first word. I think that the first thing taken into consideration is the speaker's appearance. Credibility can be linked to appearance. Generally, an audience will have more credibility in a speaker who is well dressed and well groomed. I think this also relates to interest level; an audience is more likely to draw attention to someone who looks prepared and professional. Next, the audience may take notice of how the speaker handles his/her self as he/she approaches the podium. Does the speaker seem nervous? Confident? Is the speaker fumbling around with last minutes notes? Is the speaker conversing with audience members? I think that all of thse factors have a significant impact on the situation even before the speakers begins to speak. However, I also agree with the above comments that although the first impression is significant, other impressions counts as well. I just think its best to get off on the best possible start.

[Ben Archer]

Though the first impression may not in and of itself carry quite as much weight as many people give it credit for it colors all future interactions that will be used as a basis for modifying the first impression gained. If the same person gives the same talk in exactly the same way but dressed completely differently, most of will have very different perceptions of it based on which outfit we saw. Because the initial opinion we form we receive a different take home message that trickles down to color our future opinions. Thus, even though the initial impression may not carry a huge amount of weight, it will forever be the lens through which we view future inputs.

[bashirke]

I do agree with the statement that the first impression is a life long impression and dont ever blow it up.it is very dificult to erase an formed earlier and it takes more effort than the first one for one to make a better impression.It basically uses the "halo effect" of the social perception where an individual draws a general impression about another person based on a single trait or even interaction.You may never have a second chance so capitalize on it.And yes the audiences' assesment begins way before one opens his/her mouth therefore give all it takes to shine.

[escort servisi]

I do agree with the statement that the first impression is a life long impression and dont ever blow it up.it is very dificult to erase an formed earlier and it takes more effort than the first one for one to make a better impression.It basically uses the "halo effect" of the social perception where an individual draws a general impression about another person based on a single trait or even interaction.You may never have a second chance so capitalize on it.And yes the audiences' assesment begins way before one opens his/her mouth therefore give all it takes to shine. x

[araç kiralama]

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