Do You Make Your First Impression the Best One?

　　Within the first three seconds of a new encounter, you are evaluated... even if it is just a glance.

　　People appraise your visual and behavioral appearance from head to toe. They observe your demeanor, mannerisms, and body language and even assess your grooming and accessories - watch, handbag, and briefcase. Within only three seconds, you make an indelible impression. You may intrigue some and disenchant others.

　　This first impression process occurs in every new situation. Within the first few seconds, people pass judgment on you - looking for common surface clues. Once the first impression is made, it is virtually irreversible.

　　The process works like this:

* If you appear to be of comparable business or social level, you are considered suitable for further interaction.

* If you appear to be of higher business or social status, you are admired and cultivated as a valuable contact.

* If you appear to be of lower business or social standing, you are tolerated but kept at arm's length.

* If you are in an interview situation, you can either appear to match the corporate culture or not, ultimately affecting the outcome.

　　It is human nature to constantly make these appraisals, in business and social environments.

You may hardly have said a word, however once this three-second evaluation is over, the content of your speech will not change it. When you make the best possible first impression, you have your audience in the palm of your hand. When you make a