We often hear about creating an image, about maintaining and maintaining it, but what is an image, what does it consist of and how is it created? We will try to give an answer to these questions in the article.
What is image?
Image is a purposefully created image; it is an external impression that is created with the help of clothing, speech, behavior, and appearance. Far from always the image of a person is a reflection of his personality. More often, the impression that we have about a particular person is created with the participation of advertising specialists, make-up artists, sociologists, choreographers, producers, other professionals and has nothing to do with a real person. So, what is an image: this is an artificially created picture that is displayed when a person’s name is mentioned. This is the image and impression that is created by a deliberate change in clothing, speech, behavior, etc.
Public image is working a lot and hard to create the image: politicians, artists, businessmen, business leaders. On how well they have formed their image, their success in the professional sphere largely depends. But creating the appropriate impression is equally important for any other person.
What does the image of a person consist of?
The impression that we make on others consists of a sufficiently large number of components, among which:
- External image. Clothing speaks for you long before you begin to speak. You have not had time to say a few words, but your first impression has already taken shape. So it is difficult to overestimate the importance of clothes, hairstyles, shoes and accessories in creating a certain opinion.
- Mimic image. Facial expression, the presence or absence of a smile, the expressiveness of facial expressions - have an effect on the image that you want to form in others.
- Kinetic image. The way you move, your posture and gestures are part of the impression you make. To create a favorable experience, sit and walk calmly and relaxed, without stress. If you are not graceful, go in for dancing or sports. This will help improve coordination and smoothness of movement.
- Verbal image. This is the manner of speaking, style and speed of speech. The outcome of the transaction, the course of negotiations or the result of the interview may depend on the right tone and style of presentation.
- Mental image. Worldview, ethical and moral standards, religious beliefs. All these are the components that form the image.
- Background image. The information we receive from various sources also affects our perception of a person. Such information can be gleaned from the media, from friends, partners, acquaintances ...
- Real image. The things that surround you that you use also contribute to the formation of a certain impression.
The prevailing opinion of others determines their willingness (sometimes subconscious) to act in a certain way. For example, if there is a negative opinion about one person and a positive opinion about another, then the same action will be interpreted by others completely differently. To the person who has a positive opinion, even very dubious acts will be credited. With the prevailing negative attitude, even the most noble impulses and actions will be taken with caution. It takes a lot of effort to change the already formed views.
The first impression and image as a whole are formed in a very short time, but its value is difficult to overestimate. This is especially true of business life. A well-formed image of a business man (woman) can significantly increase success. Thanks to the properties of our psychology, not only do we influence our image, but it also has an effect on us. First, you are a successful person, building your image, and then you become a successful person. Therefore, you need to carefully consider all the components that make up the image, and strive to be, not seem.
We hope that it has become clearer to you what an image is, how it is formed, what it consists of and how it affects our lives.