Blog 7 Language

I teach at the Jack E. Singley Academy. Our school strives to prepare our students with the tools to enter the professional world, or college, and succeed in either environment. Every Wednesday we have "Dress for Success," this is when the students wear attire that would be suitable for an interview. This gets the students familiar with the proper dress for the real world so when it is time for them to find a job, they know what the employer's expectations are and they can exceed these expectations. "Dress for Success" is not mandated, students do not get in trouble for not dressing in professional clothes, but it is highly enouraged and increases their Employability Skills grade at the end of each six-weeks. "Dress for Success" is preparing these students for a form of nonverbal communication. Making a positive first impression is key to finding success in the professional world, and someone's appearance is one factor in making a first impression. Having the correct attire for the situation communicates to the employer that they are professional, responsible, and the right person for the job. Nonverbal communication is an unspoken language that includes appearance, handshake, eye contact, and body language. Each of these aspects sends a message to the other person and it the basis for creating a positive first impression. The teachers at my school attempt to convey this message to our students about how to make a lasting positive first impression, but some students do not listen. It takes 30 seconds to make a first impression and 20 additional positive meetings to undo a negative impression. To be successful after high school, students need to learn the language of nonverbal communication.