Blog

It’s important to know that we are communicating all the time. Whether we open our mouths or not, we are saying plenty. Everything about us is a reflection of who we are which is being communicated to anyone paying attention. If there is congruency between the two you have a healthy and effective communication style. If there’s a breakdown you may be sending mixed signals. Either way, what you say, what you do, and how you operate all speak without saying a word. 

When it comes to our appearance, how we look and what we wear is an important part of our non-verbal communication style. To the degree you pay close attention to your grooming and your wardrobe, you may or may not be sharing a consistent message. That’s because your clothes speak without you opening your mouth. 

Marketing is a great thing. It subliminally sends messages outward that entice, encourage, and drive people to want what they see. Often, what is being sold isn’t being sold directly. It’s the feeling of having something that’s being sold. People don’t buy shampoo they buy clean hair. They buy one product over the others based on packaging or a clever ad that made them feel a certain way about the shampoo. The fact is, the shampoo may be ordinary, or it may be extraordinary, but the packaging and marketing made the sale. 

It’s the same for you and me. How we appear makes a big impact on how we are perceived, and it’s a form of communication. Choosing your clothing purposefully can make a big impact on how people perceive you. The more polished and put together, the easier it is to make a positive impact. Consider these tips when getting ready each day. 

Tip: Choose clothes that fit well- Fit is everything when it comes to looking great. Well-fitting clothing looks good and sends the message that you are confident. Paying close attention to what fit works best for your body and consistently choosing the best size, style, and fit will help you look and feel your best. 

Tip: Develop a style that suits your personality- Finding your style and fully embracing it helps send a clear and concise message about who you are without saying a word. If you are edgy, wear leather and leopard. If you are conservative, wear tailored clothing and button up. Your clothes introduce who you are before you say a word. Be sure there is consistency between the two. 

Tip: Consider a capsule wardrobe- Capsule wardrobes are common amongst the most successful people. Steve Jobs famously wore a simple black tee with denim and New Balance sneakers. This consistent look helped with his image and left plenty of room for him to use his brain power for what he did best. Confident people who want to convey unspoken statements about who they are often use three to four staple looks over and again as their signature style that speaks a lot about who they are. 

First impressions matter. It might be shallow, but the clothes oftentimes really do make the man. Effective communication includes managing the aspects of yourself that speak without you saying a word. Be certain your wardrobe conveys the message you want people to have.