When Susan Boyle first took the stage for her audition in “Has Britain Got Talent”, the judges and audience made an immediate assumption about her based on her appearance.
It was evident from the look on Simon Cowell’s face that he expected very little of her and his judgment was based solely on her appearance. Simon Cowell, the rest of the panel judges, the studio audience, and no doubt the television audience at home, were all shocked when Susan began to sing.
Susan Boyle has the voice of an angel and someone with a beautiful voice is supposed to look beautiful; in a conventional way. In other words, young, slim, attractive and tastefully dressed.
Debating the rights and wrongs of judging people based on appearance alone could be lengthy. The fact is we all make snap judgments about everyone we meet and this is based on their appearance and a lot of it has to do with what they are wearing. In fact, according to research by Professor Albert Mehrabian, 55% of our behavior and appearance is remembered from the first 30 seconds of meeting someone. Our appearance can affect how people judge us.
Wearing colors that suit you and clothing that flatters the lines, scale and proportions of your body, expresses your personality, is current and appropriate for your age and the occasion will make a big difference in the first impression you make on strangers.
Sometimes those first 30 seconds are vital. An interview for a new job, a chance meeting with someone who may be your future spouse, a request for help when your car won’t start; all the situations in which you meet a stranger for the first time and how they perceive you can make them decide in your favor, or not! While we are quick to judge, it can take 15 years to change that first impression you make on another person.
Susan Boyle wowed and wowed the world with her beautiful voice, surpassing that first impression so many made, but the rest of us may never get that second chance.
