image

Personal image: myths and realities

Welcome to my articles. Today we will talk about personal image, its myths and realities. I will try to be as specific as possible so that this information is useful to you.

Personal image is not just about the visual

Personal image is not limited to:

  • A pretty face.
  • A spectacular body.
  • To be well dressed or fashionable.
  • Associating with people of high social standing.
  • Have a body with perfect measurements.

Personal image goes beyond physical appearance. It is the first thing that others encounter when interacting with you. It is the first impression that you give and that others perceive.

What does the personal image include?

Personal image includes:

  • Your physical features and their care.
  • Your smile, your look and your way of walking.
  • Your manners and lifestyle habits.
  • Your behavior in general.

Personal image is not theory; it is the raw reality of your life reflected in your appearance.

For example:

  • A person with an impeccable physical appearance but an empty personality does not work.
  • A brilliant and talented mind, but a neglected personal life, projects a sloppy appearance and does not work either.

Our personal image is linked to our identity: who I am, what I do, where I work, what kind of friends I have, whether I exercise, whether I study, whether I prepare myself with courses or training. All of that counts and is noticeable.

Personal image shows what you are like on the inside by looking at yourself on the outside. You can't pretend for long; sooner or later, who you really are will show up.

The golden rule for conveying a good personal image

Being comfortable with yourself, feeling proud of who you are and acting with complete confidence is key.

It's easier to change what I wear than to change my habits, improve who I really am, or become the person I want to be for myself and others.

Body language is key

You should know that:

  • Words only convey the 7% of communication.
  • The tone of voice represents the 20%.
  • Body language encompasses the 73%.

The first impression

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. In the first three minutes of contact with a person, most of the 90% of the image that the person has of you.

Common mistakes in a bad personal image

  • Handshake that is too soft or extremely strong.
  • Avoid eye contact when greeting.
  • Don't ask the name of the person you're meeting.
  • Not smiling when meeting someone.
  • Showing anger when you are introduced to someone.
  • Wear stained or dirty clothing.
  • Neglected or damaged hair.
  • Smelling like cigarettes or smoking.
  • Dirty or poorly maintained nails.
  • Unpolished or unkempt shoes.
  • Unkempt or poorly shaved beard.
  • Unkempt teeth or bad breath.
  • Being drunk, drugged or sleepless.
  • Show anger, bad mood, impatience or intolerance.
  • Scolding your coworkers or shouting orders.
  • Mistreating objects or showing altered attitudes.

Body language with the look

Your look is key:

  • “I undress with my gaze.”
  • “He has a dirty look.”
  • “He ate me with his eyes.”
  • Not looking into the eyes reflects disinterest.
  • Furtive or scattered gaze.
  • Looking at your cell phone or computer instead of at the person.
  • A look of judgment, coldness, superiority, mockery or contempt.

Body language with hands

  • Hands in pockets reflect lack of confidence.
  • Biting your nails shows insecurity.
  • Crossed arms indicate insecurity and a closed attitude.
  • Excessive hand movements generate distrust.

Knowing how to be with the other person, the client or the buyer

Your behavior says a lot:

  • Whether you are comfortable or uncomfortable.
  • If you are in a hurry or want to leave.
  • If you are rude, selfish or pretending.
  • If you are sexist, chauvinistic or trustworthy.

Personal image when walking

  • Keep your gaze forward, not down.
  • Don't hunch your shoulders.
  • Put the “Power House” in as you walk.
  • Avoid pushing your shoulders forward.
  • Move your arms and hands freely and in rhythm with your walk.
  • Do not put your hands in your pockets when walking.

If you want to delve deeper into these points, sign up for my Master's in Sales Retreat.

The standing posture

  • Place one foot forward and the other back.
  • Don't stand with your feet apart.
  • Do not lean your back on furniture or walls.

The sitting position

  • Sit naturally, never on the edge of the chair.
  • Do it gently, without any abruptness.
  • If you move a chair, don't drag it; lift it and put it down carefully.
  • If there is a table, do not raise your elbow; only support your forearm.
  • Do not sit with your legs apart.

Hand care

  • Wash cutlery with gloves to protect your hands from cold and hot water and detergent.
  • Nails should be cut, clean and the same length.
  • They must be filed and, if necessary, painted.
  • Do not allow broken, damaged nails or nail biting.

Shoe care

  • Footwear should be appropriate for each occasion.
  • It must be in optimal condition: clean and well maintained.
  • It is more important that it is comfortable than that it is fashionable.
  • Your feet and shoes reflect a lot about your personal image.
  • The way shoes are worn tells what a person is like.

Thank you for reading me.
Dr. Roch