Your Personal Image
A bad personal impression gives a message that is not always accurate. For example, bad breath gives the impression that you are dirty. Poor eye contact gives an impression that you are disinterested. Crooked teeth gives the impression that you are stupid.
The problem is often found in education.
"Modern schools are so backward they don't teach personal appearance, manners, cleanliness." "Cleanliness and neatness are the primary building blocks to respect in most societies." -- L. Ron Hubbard
To succeed, you need respect.
Personal impressions are important in this society. A bad impression can hurt your chances of success. People dislike being around you. You make them uncomfortable. They distrust you somehow.
A good personal impression makes your job easier. It opens the door to good relationships. It gives you a chance to show your skills and value.
Job applicants with a good personal image have a significant advantage over those with a poor image. Sales people often win or lose because of their image. Getting a date or finding a spouse depends a great deal on your image.
A good personal image helps make people listen to you, believe in you and like being with you. It shows you are a professional.
Everyone can improve their personal image. It's an easy step on your road to success.
25 Ways to Improve Your Image
- Have no smells. Use an effective unscented deodorant. Avoid perfume and cologne.
- Wear clean clothing with no stains. Ensure the clothing fits well and looks professional.
- Females should avoid heavy cosmetics or sexy clothing.
- Ensure your fingernails are clean, smooth and well-shaped.
- Pluck hair that sticks out of your ears or nose, between eyebrows, out of moles or other odd places.
- Give a healthy image: no red eyes, sniffles or coughing.
- Ensure you have clean-smelling breath and non-greasy hair
- Get as much cosmetic dentistry as you need to have clean, attractive teeth. Of course, this can be expensive, but if you get some of the work done each year, you'll eventually have a great smile.
- Wear nothing extraordinary: psychedelic ties, long fingernails, nose jewelry, tattoos, hats, big rings.
- Stand when first meeting someone, no matter who they are.
- Walk with good posture; stand tall, lift your chin.
- Sit straight.
- Make good eye contact.
- Smile at everyone.
- Shake hands or pat the shoulder of everyone you meet.
- Use dry, warm hands for handshaking.
- Allow a comfortable amount of space between you and others.
- Laugh easily; it makes people relax and makes your face glow.
- Watch your humor. Avoid jokes about race, disability, sex and so on. Tell jokes about yourself or pass on humorous stories that anyone would enjoy.
- Appear relaxed, yet energized.
- Use good manners. Say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" at all times to everyone, regardless of who you think they are.
- Use good language. Bad/good examples: "c'mere/come here," "ain't/isn't," "yeah/yes," "nah/no."
- Acknowledge everyone; ignore no one.
- Say "goodbye" to everyone as they leave.
- Most important of all, be proud.
"Pride is the primary reason for good appearance." -- L. Ron Hubbard