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“Long before we are close enough to speak, we announce ourselves. We project and reflect important information
about ourselves. By the time we meet and
vocally converse, we have already communicated volumes in an older and more
universal language. And the language of
dress, grooming, and the body is far more persuasive than any spoken language.”
(Allison Laurie, Language of Clothes)
Image consulting is not just for high-profile celebrities and
politicians. In fact, people in the
public eye work with image consultants
because enhancing one’s dress, grooming, and body language through image
management works, and they know it. They
have found that effectively refining their image with an image management
professional leads to greater success in their professional work and more fulfillment in their personal life.
The Power of Personal Image
Image management is the ongoing process of evaluating and controlling
the effect of your appearance on you and the resulting response from
others. The concept of image management
applies to anyone who has ever needed to improve self-image, self-esteem,
self-confidence, capability, or credibility.
It applies to anyone who has ever wanted to express an idea or to
influence opinion or action–whether in business, the home, school, church, or
community. Image management is creating
an authentic, appropriate, attractive, and affordable image. Regardless of age, position, body type, or
education, image management can give you the personal/professional presence you
need to be more successful.
As an individual living and working in a highly complex and competitive
society, you must recognize and understand the impact of your appearance as it
communicates first to you and then to others.
“What you wear and the way you look affect 1) the way you think, 2) the way you feel, 3)
the way you act or behave, and 4) the way others react or respond to you.” 1
While it is important to like what you wear and the way you look, it is
more important to understand why you like it or don’t like it and,
specifically, how your dress, appearance, body language, and etiquette affect
you, those with whom you interact, and the achievement of your goals and
aspirations.
First, your clothing, grooming, and mannerisms affect the way you
think. You can’t afford to think
negatively about yourself because some aspect of your appearance is
self-defeating. If you want to think
more positively about yourself and others, as well as your work or life
situation, you should strive for a personally “authentic” and “attractive”
appearance that is “appropriate” for the occasion.
Second, the image you portray affects the way you feel. You can’t afford to feel depressed,
uncomfortable, argumentative, self-conscious, or full of self-doubt. A positive personal appearance is a fast,
effective way to boost self-confidence and overcome anxiety about your ability
or social acceptance. When you appear
attractively dressed and groomed, personally authentic, and appropriate for the
occasion, you feel more comfortable, confident, capable, cooperative, and
productive.
Three, your appearance, body language, and etiquette knowledge affect
the way you act or behave. You can’t
afford to appear awkward, insecure, submissive, or out-of-place. Nor can you afford to act defensive, defiant,
affected, or conceited. A positive
personal appearance is one of the most effective ways to improve behavior and enhance
performance level. When you appear
attractively dressed and groomed, you act more at ease, more mannerly, more
competent, and naturally able to do your best.
Four, your entire image affects the way others react or respond to
you. Your appearance is the one personal
characteristic that is immediately obvious and accessible to others. You can’t hide it. Your appearance makes a strong statement
about your personality, values, attitudes, interests, knowledge, abilities,
roles, and goals. You can’t afford to
appear disrespectful, pretentious, scatterbrained, irresponsible, ineffective,
or unproductive. You can’t afford to
create a negative impression or to build barriers between you and others
because of an unattractive, inappropriate, distracting, or offensive
appearance. When you appear attractively
dressed and groomed, personally authentic, and appropriate for the occasion,
you create a positive impression, and your positive traits are more easily
perceived by others, and they will regard you more favorably.
Your appearance is something you can control. While there is no one-and-only right way to
dress or groom, authentic, appropriate, attractive, and affordable are key
words to go by. The harmonious selection
and coordination of clothing, with attention to proper fit and care is
essential. You must create your own
positive appearance, so that you feel confident in yourself and ready to
accomplish your goals and objectives.
(1Judith Rasband, AICI Certified
Image Master)
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