Radio 1: Waking up to First Impressions

I heard an amusing comment recently that Radio 1 presenters will need to smarten up their appearance because they’re having their own dedicated channel on BBC iPlayer!

On searching for the news item I was even more amused to find no mention of what this will mean to them or their appearance! There’s a perception that if you’re on radio, it doesn’t matter what you wear but if you’re on TV it does! Maybe the old adage has changed too:

 ‘I’ve got the face for Radio and the voice for Twitter’

I was always taught to take pride in my appearance when going to work.  Despite working on a farm it was still important because it demonstrated my attitude to work and my co-workers.  Now I have children and can see things from an adult perspective, I haven’t changed that opinion.  The more important it is for people to see/hear me and my ‘message’, the more attention I pay to what I’m going to wear.

There’s much debate about first impressions and whether they count as much as we think  - modern networking happens across platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and it’s about your picture as much as what you say or post. 

According to M. Farouk Radwan, there are several factors that determine how we form a first impression:

·         Social exchange theory

·         How you make them feel

·         When you meet them – have they or you had a bad day? 

·         The Halo effect – an interesting phenomenon!

Arthur Dobrin suggests that while the halo effect is powerful, in a longer term relationship, its power is diminished, which is completely in line with our view that consistency is critical - in your behaviour and appearance but also with who you are.  Your beliefs and values shine through your personality whether you like it or not, unless you’re acting, and that’s difficult to maintain outside a temporary role.  The Queen and Bob Geldof are two examples of consistency because whether you agree or disagree with their stance, values or behaviours in the world, their impressions are upheld because they present themselves in ways that are consistent with their body language, physical appearance and character.

As for how long it takes, contrary to popular belief, it’s no longer a few seconds; according to Willis and Todorov it’s more like one tenth of a second, on that basis almost exclusively visual. 

There is hope.  Dobrin points out, ‘First impressions matter, but substance has the final word’. 

As public figures, Radio 1 presenters have already got a personal brand being clear on this and how to display it will serve them well if their visibility is suddenly increased.  If there is changing/upgrading to do, it needs to be maintainable – slow and steady rather than erratic and unpredictable will enable them to maintain their credibility, unless unpredictable and erratic are values they wish to be known by!   If their image is not consistent with who they truly are they won’t be able to maintain it over time without considerable cost to themselves and their self-esteem. 

And my top tip?  Dress for the position you want to be!  If you don’t look like someone who can represent your organisation at the next or even highest level, then you will either be overlooked in favour of someone who does ‘look the part’ or you’ll have to work harder to get there.