Reflections- Prose 1 - Dress in Communication - Summary

 

The first lesson in the book Reflections talks about the need to dress properly. The lesson says that the dress is also part of the communication process. 

 

Communication and Dress

What you wear can make you or break you in many situations. Your clothes can be your best friend or your worst enemy.  90 per cent of what people remember about a meeting is related to non-verbal communication. When people meet, they make judgements about each other based on appearance alone. This is true of a job interview setting.  Your dress gives non-verbal clues about your personality, education, background, financial status and integrity. Your dress can either break down barriers or launch careers.

 

William Thourlby’s book: 

In his book ‘You are what you Wear, William Thourlby says that - ‘You are what you wear and dress accordingly’.  He adds that the clothes will not compensate for poor qualifications, poor work records or bad habits, but a person who has dressed appropriately and is well-groomed can open doors. In our society ‘looks’ have specific meanings. A person with dirty, messy appearance, untidy hair and crumpled clothes, no matter the reason, conveys the message, - ‘I don’t care’. A person who is well-groomed dressed appropriately and in good taste can attend a business function or meeting and, in most cases, be readily accepted. 

 

Textures and Lines

Textures and lines of clothing also spread silent messages. Soft texture tends to invite human contact and closeness. Crisp textures may indicate that a person wants to be regarded as efficient. Lines of clothing can provide some clue on the personality. Clothing is the only visible clues to our personality. Our dress may also reveal anger, aggressiveness, uncertainty or depression.  The knowledge of nonverbal non-clothing clues will be useful also in interacting with them on a daily basis. The visual code of dress can enhance your ability to related to others. Your outward appearance and demeanour will influence how others will react to you. Your dress will help you to become more confident in your abilities and judgements and it will also lift your self-esteem.