ABSTRACT
People form an impression of others within seconds of their first meeting. This has an enormous impact when teachers meet a new student (or vice versa) because these immediate impressions are quite difficult to alter once formed. The impression that is formed is based mainly on body language because more than 75 per cent of communication is non-verbal. Body language, image and posture all set the scene even before verbal language is used to communicate. Most people have heard their voice played back as a recording: few people actually enjoy the experience and most feel quite uncomfortable. Some people have also seen video footage of themselves in their workplace and, once again, this can be discomforting. Critical self-analysis can be a difficult and sometimes unnerving activity to undertake, but the benefits that arise in creating positive working relationships and acceptable behaviour from colleagues and students is more than worth the effort.
