Professional presence

Professional presence is a dynamic blend of poise, self confidence, control, and style that empowers us to be able to command respect in any situation. Once acquired, it permits us to project a confidence that others can quickly perceive the first time they meet us.

The importance of making a good first impression

A positive first impression can be thought of as the first step in building a long-term relationship.

The Primary Effect

The development of professional presence begins with a full-appreciation of the first impression. The tendency to form and retain impressions quickly at the time of an initial meeting illustrates what social psychologist call a primacy effect in the way people perceive one
A dress with a suit jacket would also be acceptable .She should avoid clothing in brash color or casual styles that might reduce her credibility. * A male bank loan officer would be appropriately dressed in a tailored gray or blue suit, white shirt, and tie. This same person dressed in a colorful blazer, sport shirt and plaid would be seen as too casual in most bank settings. * A technician employed by an auto dealership that sells new cars would be appropriately dressed in matching gray, tan, or blue shirt and pant. The technicians would be inappropriately dressed in jeans and a T-shirt.

The Business Casual Look
The term business casual is used to describe the movement toward standards that emphasize greater comfort and individuality.

Business casual is clothing that allows you to feel comfortable at work but looks neat and professional. It usually means slacks, khaki pants, collared long-sleeved shirts and blouses, and shoes with socks.

It does not include jeans, T-shirts, shorts, sneakers or sandals.

Your Facial Expression
After your overall appearance, your face is the most visible part of you. Facial expressions are the cues most people really on in initial interactions. They provide the clues by which others read your mood and personality.

Studies conducted in nonverbal communication show that