Transcript

Jayne Chapman

So why do first impressions matter? Well, research will tell us that first impressions are made within a few seconds. Sometimes actually some researchers will say milliseconds. But basically what they are getting at is that when you look at somebody, when you meet them for the first time, we make an impression. They make an impression upon us. And it's about that kind of thing.

Now the issue is whether you're making a positive or a negative first impression. And my advice would always be you want to make a positive one. If you make a positive one, then you're helping build the relationship with the people that you're meeting. It helps them receive what you have to say. You're doing yourself some favours.

It's a bit like-- when you meet someone, if you make a good and a favourable first impression, it's like you're one step forward in the relationship before you've even opened your mouth. If you make a negative first impression, it's like you're one step back in the relationship before you've opened your mouth Now you can make up that bit of ground, but the thing is, why should you make it difficult for yourself? Actually it's much easier to think about, am I going to make a good, positive impression? Am I going to get my image working for me, or am I going to ignore it and it could be something that works against me?

The reality is as soon as I started-- actually before I even said anything, you will have all made an impression about me. Now I would hope that we don't judge people on the basis of impressions, and certainly the longer we spend with someone, we get to know what the real them is like inside. But the truth is, first impressions happen. They matter. So think about it.