DEVELOPING A
PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE
Center for Professional Communication
The New Professional Image
Professional Presence
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A dynamic blend of poise, self-confidence, control
and style
Empowers us to be able to command respect in any
situation
Permits us to project confidence that others can
quickly perceive
Permits us to rise
above the crowd
The Importance of Making
a Good First Impression
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First impressions are lasting ones
First impressions are the first step in building a longterm relationship
The secret to making a good
first impression:
 Social
generosity
 Putting the emotional focus on
the other person(s)
The Importance of Making
a Good First Impression
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The Primacy Effect
 The
tendency to form impressions quickly at the time of
initial meeting
 Later information is either ignored or reinterpreted
based on initial framework
 First impressions represent 100% of what they know
about you at that point
The Importance of Making
a Good First Impression
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The First Few Seconds
Our thinking is not always rational
Decisions happen subconsciously in a split second
Assumptions vs. Facts
Initial impressions are made up of assumptions and
facts
The briefer the encounter, the greater the chance
for misinformation
Major Factors That Form Your Image
Surface Language
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Surface Language: A pattern of immediate
impressions conveyed by appearance
What contributes to your surface language?
Basic principles of appearance that withstand time:
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If you want the job, look the part
If you want the promotion, look promotable
If you want respect, dress as well or better than
industry standards
Wardrobe Engineering
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Wardrobe Engineering: Describes
how clothing and accessories can
create a certain image
Effective packaging is an individual
matter based on a variety of
factors
What factors should be
considered when deciding if an
ensemble is appropriate?
Appropriate Business Professional for Men
Appropriate Business Professional for Women
The Business Casual Look
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The Business Casual Look
Movement toward greater comfort
and individuality
Wear dressier business clothing when
meeting with customers or clients
Wear clothing that is clean, neat and
fits well
Appropriate Business Casual for Men
Appropriate Business Casual for Women
Facial Expression
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After overall appearance, facial expressions are
the most visible part of you
Provides clues to identify the inner feelings of
another
Strongly influence people’s reactions to each other
Entrance & Carriage
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The way you enter an office or business meeting can
influence the image you project
Project self-confidence with:
a strong stride
a friendly smile
good posture
a genuine sense of energy
Voice Quality & Speech
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Voice qualities that contribute to your image:
Tone of voice
Rate of speech (tempo)
Volume
Ability to pronounce (diction)
Your Handshake
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The message the handshake sends depends on
several factors:
Degree of firmness
Degree of dryness of hands
Duration of grip
Depth of interlock
Eye contact during
handshake
Etiquette
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Dining Etiquette
Pay attention to table manners
Order food that is easily controlled, not messy
Meeting Etiquette
Start and end positively and on time
Speak to the topic
Summarize and recap responsibilities
Etiquette
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Cell Phone Etiquette
Don’t use in meetings, elevators, restaurants
Talk in a normal speaking voice
Ask disturbing cell users to take the call in private
Conversational Etiquette
Don’t be too informal, too fast
Avoid foul language, sensitive terms, slang
Etiquette
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Networking Etiquette
Introduce yourself and what you do
Avoid negative talk
Follow up with contacts
Send a thank you note to anyone helpful to you
Incivility: The Ultimate Career Killer
Civility is a form of social generosity
The Job Interview
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Communicate the image that you are someone that
is conscientious
Show that you care enough to make a good
impression