SS21 Lesson 3 Impression Management

Summary

This video script delves into the concept of impression management, highlighting how individuals manipulate their image to create a positive perception. It discusses the use of verbal and non-verbal cues, such as words, gestures, and body language, to influence others' views. The script also touches on strategies like conformity, excuses, and self-promotion to manage impressions. It warns against the pitfalls of self-handicapping, where individuals create excuses to protect their self-image, potentially leading to reduced performance. The video concludes with a reminder to be authentic while using impression management techniques.

Takeaways

• 😀 Impression management is about influencing how others perceive us to create a positive image.
• 🎭 The dramaturgical approach by Irving Goffman is a key concept in understanding impression management.
• 🗣️ Verbal cues, including word choice and phrases, play a significant role in shaping others' impressions of us.
• 🤔 Non-verbal cues such as body language, gestures, eye contact, and physical appearance are crucial in impression formation.
• 🕴️ Posture, like slouching or sitting straight, can communicate confidence levels to others.
• 👁️ Making eye contact is perceived as a sign of sincerity and interest in the conversation.
• 🤗 Crossing arms can signal closure or discomfort, which may affect how approachable one appears.
• 👔 Dressing appropriately for an occasion, like a date or interview, can impact how seriously one is taken.
• 🎶 Paralinguistic cues, such as speech variation, emphasis, and volume, can alter the interpretation of words.
• 🧩 Managing impressions involves a combination of verbal and non-verbal self-presentation in various social situations.
• 🎭 Strategies like conformity, excuses, apologies, self-promotion, flattery, favors, and association are used to manage impressions.
• 😷 The downside of impression management is the potential to wear 'masks' and lose one's true self in the process.
• 🤔 Self-handicapping is a strategy to protect self-image by making excuses for potential failure or poor performance.

Q & A

What is impression management?

Impression management is the process by which individuals control or manipulate the way they are perceived by others, using verbal and non-verbal cues to create a desired image or impression.

Who introduced the dramaturgical approach to impression management?

Irving Goffman introduced the dramaturgical approach to impression management, which views social interaction as a stage where individuals perform to create impressions.

What are the two main types of cues used in impression formation?

The two main types of cues used in impression formation are verbal cues, which include the words and phrases used, and non-verbal cues, which encompass visible and paralinguistic cues.

Can you provide an example of a visible non-verbal cue?

An example of a visible non-verbal cue is body language, such as slouching, which can indicate a lack of confidence, or sitting up straight, which can suggest confidence.

What is the significance of eye contact in impression management?

Eye contact is significant in impression management as it can make a person appear more sincere and interested in the conversation, thus influencing how they are perceived by others.

How does physical appearance play a role in impression management?

Physical appearance, such as dressing neatly for a date or an interview, plays a role in impression management by affecting how seriously one is taken by others.

What are paralinguistic cues in non-verbal communication?

Paralinguistic cues are non-verbal communication elements that include the variation of speech, such as emphasis, inflection, pitch, volume, rhythm, and hesitations, which can convey emotions or attitudes beyond the words spoken.

How do we manage impressions in various situations?

We manage impressions by being mindful of our verbal and non-verbal communication, adjusting our behavior, and presenting ourselves in a way that aligns with the image we want to project in different situations.

What is self-handicapping in the context of impression management?

Self-handicapping is a strategy where individuals create excuses for potential failure to protect their self-image, which can involve making excuses before an activity to justify poor performance or to enhance credit if they succeed.

What are some common strategies for managing impressions mentioned in the script?

Common strategies for managing impressions mentioned in the script include conformity, excuses, apologies, self-promotion, flattery, favors, association, and opinion conformity.

How can impression management affect an individual's true self?

Impression management can affect an individual's true self by leading them to wear metaphorical 'masks' to present a certain image to others, potentially causing them to lose touch with their genuine personality and behaviors.