This series of articles will define personal impact then look at how it can be developed by analysing the elements of personal impact in turn.
In this first article of the series, we will define personal impact and consider what it looks like.
Defining Personal Impact: Personal impact does not operate in isolation.
It is evidenced by the outcome of our interaction with others.
Personal impact is what people: think, feel, say or do as a result of the interaction that we have had with them.
In summary, it is how others experience us in a positive or negative way.
What Does Personal Impact Look Like? It requires face validity which means that if we consider ourselves to be a product or brand; we must look like what it says on the tin.
Therefore personal presentation has a large impact on personal impact.
For example, if we were invited to present an important message to a large group as a change leader and we didn't look like the appropriate person to present this message, it may not be taken seriously or acted upon.
To have an effective impact you need to look as if you value yourself and take yourself seriously.
This doesn't necessarily mean that you are in a beauty contest or need to be stunningly attractive, it requires you to recognise that others will respond to your: personal presentation, grooming and body language.
Presentation and grooming do require extra effort and maintenance.
However the better you look, the better you feel.
Dress appropriately, in a style which suits your: physical build, your role and environment.
Spend some extra time on a few finishing touches that don't cost the earth such as: a hair style that suits you and your role, accessories and at least a hint of make-up.
Most individuals in the public eye, either male or female, who wish to enhance their impact on others, have altered their image to some degree.
Your body language tells others how comfortable you are in yourself.
Good posture, open body language, good eye contact, fluid movements and a genuine smile demonstrate confidence.
Consider what others see when we enter a room.
Do we walk in as if we have a right to be there? Or do we hover and walk hesitantly, trying to make ourselves insignificant or invisible.
First impressions are a key element in our communication.
Using the example of a change message, it may be that you do not fit the prototype that your audience may have of someone presenting the message.
It may be that your audience's first impression may be tinged with a slight bias.
You may differ in: physical appearance, age, race, gender or physical disability from the prototype that the audience may have had in their minds.
All is not lost; you can still make an impact and swing the balance of opinion in your favour.