Impression Management – Claims of First Impressions

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Another study analyzed the impact of impressions formed of movie characters, revealing that the first impression of movie characters can distort the intended experience the viewer will have with the movie, possibly giving a viewer a negative unintended view on the movie as a whole (Sanders, 2010). For example, the study showed that many people would immediately characterize Superman as a hero, because of the characteristics he displays. However, others may see his tactics of hiding his identity as deceitful and would base him on that impression, disliking his character and possibly have a negative view of the movie as a whole (Sanders, 2010). This study supports the fact that first impressions are influential and lasting, because of the fact that impression of the movie characters can change the person’s overall impression of the movie. As discussed earlier Marek, Knapp and Wanzer studied introductions and lasting impressions in roommates. They also used Predicted Outcome Value theory to explain that first impressions are lasting. The fact that a roommate is someone that you will most likely have to live with for an extended period of time makes the impression formations even more crucial. Stated before, the first impression is lasting and can be a determinant in the predicted longevity of the relationship and determine the likelihood that the roommates will live together again in the future.

The work place setting is another area where first impression can make a lasting mark on your career. The Language Expectancy Theory is used to analyze the impressions supervisors have of new employees in business settings (Foste and Botero, 2012). Their perceived communication competence, formed after their initial interaction, in areas such as their ability to produce content and deliver content to someone superior to them in the workplace, will predict their reputation and their impression of perceived work competence. (Foste & Botero, 2012). It’s in this business setting that handshakes and eye contact are the nonverbal cues that are associated with confidence in the work place, and has the potential to give you a strong first impression. Along with the research from Hiemstra’s study, business impressions have proven to be very important.

Conclusion

It’s in the analysis of these studies and the inquiry about the proposed research questions that help us to better understand impressions and the lasting impact they leave upon those we meet. Throughout the previous studies in setting such as the classroom, roommate situations, movies, at the work place and in social settings the emerging themes about impressions remained; that first impressions are lasting impressions and can help predict outcomes of relationships. Studies found the importance of first impressions styles and introductions can impact the quality and duration of the relationship. The fact that impressions have such an influence in different settings shows the prevalence that it has to daily life and in the potential of developing interpersonal relationships. Also, proper introduction styles and nonverbal cues are also important in forming good first impressions. First impressions have a way of influencing the way we are perceived by others, effecting our social lives, our careers and our everyday interactions. The importance of a good impression should be put into practice and could be taught to people to help them better understand how to manage their impressions in different settings. It’s helpful to have this knowledge to prepare yourself for the real world and be ready to form good and lasting impressions not only is future social interactions, but also in future employment situations.

References

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Marek, C. I., Knapp, J. L., & Wanzer, M. (2004). An exploratory investigation of the relationship between roommates' first impressions and subsequent communication patterns. Communication Research Reports, 21(2), 210-220.

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Sanders, M. S. (2010). Making a good (bad) impression: examining the cognitive processes of disposition theory to form a synthesized model of media character impression formation. Communication Theory, (10503293), 20(2), 147-168. doi:10.1111/j.1468- 2885.2010.01358.x

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