The Halo effect is very interesting. It shows us again how important that first impression is. This is a real easy win. Life can be overcomplicated. But making a first impression is as easy as 1,2,3…
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Have you ever looked at a beautiful girl and thought, Wow, she must be a delight to be around. You are sure that she is loving and kind, gives to charity, and saves kittens late at night.
Of course you have.
If so, you have become a victim of a phenomenon known as the halo effect.
First described in 1920 by Edward Thorndike, the halo effect refers to a spillover of positive traits.
“The Halo effect is a cognitive bias in which an observer’s overall impression of a person, company, brand, or product influences the observer’s feelings and thoughts about that entity’s character or properties.”
This means that we might automatically assume you are kind because you are attractive or that you are good at one thing because you are good at something else. It explains why we are so shocked when our favourite sporting star has been caught doping, or a beloved Hollywood actor is caught in an affair. We assumed that because they are amazing at what they do, that they must also be good people.
As more studies were done, it became apparent that the halo effect is particularly present during first impressions.
3 Steps to Killer First Impressions
Since you know now that people will actually make certain favourable conclusions about you based on your appearance. Why not use it to your advantage.
Here are some tips to get you on your way:
1. Be a sharp dresser. Always
Unfortunately you are stuck with the face you have. But you can still make sure to present it in the best possible way.
You never know when you might stumble into someone important—someone who you want to make a great impression on—only to realise that you are dressed like you are going training.
It is probably the easiest and most powerful way to use the halo effect to your advantage. Make sure your clothes are well fitted, and that you dress to impress.
2. Grooming
Yes. Look after your hair, face, and beard.
Men, for some reason, have an issue talking about grooming. It is somehow seen as a “less masculine” thing to do. I want to assure you that there is nothing feminine about trimming your beard and moisturising your skin.
You are human. Therefore your skin will wrinkle and be affected by the rays of the sun and late nights. Moisturising your skin will prevent you from looking 50 when you are only 25.
Pay regular visits to a good barber. And make sure to use the right products and tools for the job. Check out “The Captains Beard” for some cool gear to keep your mane looking great.
3. Be confident
Unfortunately, at the end of the day there is no substitute for just being comfortable in your own skin.
Nothing beats walking into a room with great posture, smiling at everyone, being clear and articulate, and having a firm handshake. On a side note, if you want to be perceived as more powerful, you might want to act rude. In some small studies, they have found that people who break rules are often perceived as more of a leader and powerful.
But we won’t go down that road. The halo effect has taught us that they might overlook your leadership abilities and just assume that you are an asshole.
The Halo effect is very interesting. It shows us again how important that first impression is. This is a real easy win. Life can be overcomplicated. But making a first impression is as easy as 1,2,3…
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This article originally appeared on Better Man Blueprint.
Photo credit: Getty Images