Science and Art of First Impressions

Jul 25, 2024

Lecture Notes: Science and Art of First Impressions

Introduction

  • Timeframe to make a first impression: 33 to 100 ms for a face glance
  • Impact: Distinguishes between different social outcomes
  • Importance: Positive first impressions can shift perception for better throughout interaction

First Impressions and Perception

  • Reframing Perceptions:
    • Reckless -> Brave
    • Silly -> Funny
    • Weird -> Quirky
  • Attractive Individuals: Positive biases help build social skills
  • Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Good impressions lead to internalizing positive traits and behaviors over time

Accuracy and Longevity of First Impressions

  • Accuracy Studies:
    • 3-minute speed dates: Accurate perception of personality
    • 5-second assessment: Identified Big Five personality traits
    • Photo studies: Identified sexual and political orientation
  • Long-Lasting: Impressions stick, emotion-driven, hard to change despite new evidence

Evolutionary Perspective

  • Friend-or-Foe Mechanism: Crucial for survival
  • Quick Judgments: Essential in quickly determining potential threat or alliance

Influencing Factors on First Impressions

Context Matters

  • Environment Behavior: Appropriate behavior varies by location (e.g., library vs. club)
  • Priming: Previous experiences affect current perceptions (e.g., salesperson analogy)

Halo Effect

  • Positive Traits: One good trait affects perception of others (e.g., attractiveness)
  • Interaction Appearance Theory: Charisma and expressiveness enhance perceived physical attractiveness

Actor Effects

  • Individual Differences: Influenced by the perceiver's attractiveness level, culture, and stereotypes

Cultural and Stereotypical Factors

  • Cultural Norms: Varies (e.g., eye contact as rude in Japan)
  • Stereotypes: Dress and appearance influence categorical judgments
  • Gender Differences: Women are more critical within first 30s

Strategies for First Impressions

Characteristics Women Find Attractive

  • Attraction Triggers: Looks, intelligence, humor, fashion, status, leadership, self-confidence, similarity, independence, dominance

Self-Assessment

  • Perceived Traits: Charismatic vs. boring, outgoing vs. shy, kind vs. judgmental, intelligent vs. stupid
  • Feedback: Obtain from friends or women

Impression Management

Changing Perception

  • Behavioral Adjustments: Not altering the self, but modifying superficial traits that influence impressions
  • Building Confidence: Small changes leading to better self-perception over time

Tactics for First Impressions

  1. Hand Gestures: Build trust, expressiveness (supported by TED Talks study)
  2. Taking Up Space: Displays dominance and openness (linked to attraction studies)
  3. Voice Projection: Loud and lower tone = social dominance and attractiveness
  4. Slowing Down Speech: Prevents nervous impression, increases perceived confidence
  5. Eye Contact: Builds trust, attention, conveys intelligence and sincerity
  6. Familiarity Approach: Act as if you know someone to create instant rapport
  7. Similarity: Leverage similar language and gestures to enhance first impression
  8. Perfect Introduction: Confident and smooth delivery, proper handshakes or hugs
  9. Using Names: Personalized interaction creates better connection
  10. Looks and Hygiene: Well-fitted clothes, worked-out look, good fragrance
  11. Smiling: Shows warmth in-person; represent different traits in pictures/settings

Things to Avoid

  • Avoid Nervous Behaviors: Speaking softly, too fast, fidgeting
  • Approach Groups: Easier, less critical reception, shows confidence

Final Notes

  • Expressiveness: Focus on broad expression to enhance charisma and confidence
  • Nonverbal Communication: Key to forming strong first impressions
  • Booking Calls for Coaching: Available services for detailed personal guidance