When you are developing your image, communication comes through the way you stand, talk, dress and even how you do your hair. You have to pay attention to the details because it’s the details that people will see and what they will use to make determinations about you, your professionalism and your credibility. Take inventory and use this list as a guide. These six areas encompass your overall image communication of trust and credibility. It is well worth the time and attention.
Look them in the eye.
The importance of eye contact cannot be stressed enough. People tend to equate trustworthiness of a person by their ability to look them in the eye. If eye contact is uncomfortable or feels awkward for whatever reason, try picking a spot on the person’s forehead or eyebrows and let your eyes make contact with theirs occasionally. Try not to look away or look down frequently. Try to keep the contact as much as possible.
Posture yourself for success.
Stand tall, shoulders back, feet planted on the floor, chin up – but don’t lock your knees. You want to stand tall with confident posture that will encourage trust. Lean in slightly when someone is talking to you. You can also mirror their gestures and body language. People are more drawn to people they perceive to be like them.
Let them know you are listening – and hearing.
Active listening is a well know technique used in communication. It helps you convey trust as well as ensures that you clearly understand what the other person is telling you. All you do is repeat to the person what you heard them say. You would preface it with a statement such as, ‘So, what I am hearing you say is…’ and then you repeat, in your own words, what they said. This is very useful in conflict resolution as it ensures that both parties are on the same page and understand what the other is saying.
Avoid the trends.
They say dress for success for a reason. Ditch the trends. Stick with classic looks. Ladies, keep it covered. Keep your skirts below the knee and avoid high slits. Save the cleavage for the nightclub, not the professional arena. Men and women, convey trust by wearing a blouse, shirt or jacket that is collared and long sleeved. A jacket with lapels is also trust evoking. You also want to accent the line of your shoulders.
To convey a supportive and caring feel, choose clothing that drapes slightly that is made from soft fabric. Keep the colors light with minimal contrast to your own coloring. Men should select ties in softer colors with low contrast.
Don’t ignore the hair.
Many people will dress up, stand up – and completely ignore their train wreck of a hairstyle. Keep your hair neat and classic. Please, please stick with natural hair colors! Fire engine red, sapphire blue and grass green are NOT hair colors for professionals unless you are in the rock music industry or some similar niche. Keep your hair neat and in a classic style. Steer clear of trendy styles although frumpy styles are just as bad. An image expert can help you find just the right style for you.
Accent with accessories.
Accessories can make or break a look. Don’t overdo it; keep it simple. This goes for jewelry, hair accessories, make up and shoes. Anything that can be perceived as gaudy or pretentious should be avoided. In other words, leave the baubles at home and don’t put on anything that will draw the eye. Remember, you are dressing to convey your credibility and encourage trust. Keep it simple.
Margaret Batting 