You only get one chance!

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do well to all people…Gal 6:9-10

You only get one chance to make a first impression!
 
People make up their mind as to what an experience, visit, procedure or person will be like in a matter of seconds…and they do it in less time than it took to read this sentence!

Seven seconds is the average length of time you have to make a first impression. In that brief window of opportunity you have to demonstrate immediately that the other person, not you, is the center of action and conversation.

Whether your initial meeting is face-to-face, over the phone or via the Internet, you do not have time to waste. It helps to understand how people make their first judgment and what you can do to influence the results.

1. LEARN WHAT PEOPLE USE TO FORM THEIR FIRST OPINION.
   When you meet someone face-to-face, 93% of how you are judged is based on non-verbal data - your appearance, smile, eye contact, tone of voice and body language. The other 7% is influenced by the words that you speak. When your initial encounter is over the phone, 70% of how you are perceived is based on your tone of voice and 30% on your words. Clearly, it's not only what you say - it's the way you say it.
2. CHOOSE YOUR FIRST TWELVE WORDS CAREFULLY.
   Although research shows that your words make up a mere 7% of what people think of you in a one-on-one encounter, don't leave them to chance. Express some form of thank you when you meet the patient, visitor or assocaite. Perhaps, it is "Thank you for trusting us with your care today" or "Thank you for taking time to let me help you." People appreciate you when you appreciate them.
3. USE THE OTHER PERSON'S NAME IMMEDIATELY.
   There is no sweeter sound than that of your own name. When you use the patient’s or person’s name in conversation within your first twelve words and the first seven seconds, you are sending a message that you value that person and are focused on them. Nothing gets other people's attention as effectively as calling them by name.
4. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR APPEARANCE.
   Don't let a bad hair day ruin your first impression. Shoes should be polished as well as appropriate for the business environment. They may be the last thing you put on before you walk out the door, but they are often the first thing your patient or visitor notices.
5. MATCH YOUR BODY LANGUAGE TO YOUR VERBAL MESSAGE.
   A smile or pleasant expression tells your patients that you are glad to be with them. Eye contact says you are paying attention and are interested in what is being said. Use as many signals as you can to look interested and interesting. More can be found at: http://www.jobbankusa.com/CareerArticles/Personal_Aspects/ca80304b.html

Much more than medicine is experienced every day through every encounter and the thousands of first impressions you make each week!

Bless you as you… “do well to all people!”

Much more than medicine indeed!

Peter

Peter Bath, D.Min.
V.P Spiritual Wellness & Human Development
Shawnee Mission Medical Center