The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

336 / TAKING CENTER STAGE

Creating a first

impression

Connecting with

the audience

Appearance alone won’t win over your

audience, but it plays an important

role in setting out your intent and

credibility. When choosing what to

wear, consider which outfit will have

the greatest influence on the people

you would like to impress the most.

For example, if the audience

consists mostly of your casually

dressed peers, but also includes two

suited directors, dress up not down.

And if you are the manager of a

factory addressing the factory floor,

think how differently your message

will be perceived if you are wearing

a suit or clean corporate coveralls.

The first thing your audience will notice is how you look, and this first

impression is hard to change. Give plenty of thought to the message you

want to send through your attire, grooming, and posture. Study yourself

in a mirror, and ask colleagues for their opinion on your appearance.

LOOK SHARP

Change into a fresh, pressed

outfit just before you begin

your presentation; check

beforehand that changing

facilities are available.

Tip

US_336-337_first_impression.indd 336 31/05/16 5:29 pm