Do these things to get an impression…

First Day? Make an impression.

Photo by Dom Fou on Unsplash

If you’re starting at a new school or just going to college, you might want to make a good impression. Here are some tips to help you with that.

Disclaimer: I am a student, so the target audience of this blog is naturally students. However, if you’re a professional, thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I hope I can enlighten you with some insights on making a good impression. Alright, here we go.

Start with Your Clothing

The first day of university is an exciting and important occasion. You want to make a good impression on your classmates, professors, and potential friends. But what should you wear to achieve that? Here are some tips and suggestions based on the color meanings and symbolism of different outfits.

• Red: Red is the color of passion, energy, and confidence. Wearing red can make you stand out from the crowd and show your bold personality. However, red can also be seen as aggressive, intimidating, or too flashy. If you want to wear red, you should balance it with neutral colors like black, white, or gray. For example, you could wear a red blouse or shirt with black pants or a skirt, or a red dress with a black jacket or cardigan.
• Orange: Orange is the color of enthusiasm, creativity, and warmth. Wearing orange can make you look friendly, cheerful, and approachable. However, orange can also be seen as childish, immature, or too casual. If you want to wear orange, you should choose a muted or pastel shade rather than a bright or neon one. For example, you could wear a peach or coral sweater or cardigan with jeans or khakis, or an orange scarf or accessory with a neutral outfit.
• Yellow: Yellow is the color of happiness, optimism, and intelligence. Wearing yellow can make you look positive, cheerful, and smart. However, yellow can also be seen as cowardly, naive, or too attention-seeking. If you want to wear yellow, you should avoid wearing too much of it or wearing it near your face. For example, you could wear a yellow skirt or pants with a white or gray top, or a yellow belt or bag with a dark outfit.
• Green: Green is the color of harmony, health, and nature. Wearing green can make you look calm, relaxed, and eco-friendly. However, green can also be seen as envious, boring, or too conservative. If you want to wear green, you should choose a shade that suits your skin tone and hair color. For example, you could wear a mint or olive green blouse or shirt with jeans or khakis, or a green dress with brown shoes or boots.
• Turquoise: Turquoise is the color of calmness, clarity, and communication. Wearing turquoise can make you look serene, confident, and articulate. However, turquoise can also be seen as aloof, cold, or too trendy. If you want to wear turquoise, you should pair it with complementary colors like coral or peach. For example, you could wear a turquoise jacket or cardigan with a coral or peach dress or top, or a turquoise necklace or earrings with a neutral outfit.
• Blue: Blue is the color of trustworthiness, loyalty, and professionalism. Wearing blue can make you look reliable, dependable, and competent. However, blue can also be seen as dull, predictable, or too formal. If you want to wear blue, you should choose a shade that reflects your mood and personality. For example, you could wear a navy blue suit or blazer with a white shirt for a classic look, a light blue sweater or cardigan with jeans for a casual look, or a royal blue dress or skirt with heels for a chic look.
• Purple: Purple is the color of royalty, spirituality, and creativity. Wearing purple can make you look elegant, sophisticated, and imaginative. However, purple can also be seen as arrogant, mysterious, or too eccentric. If you want to wear purple, you should balance it with lighter colors like white, cream, or pink. For example, you could wear a purple blouse or shirt with white pants or a skirt, or a purple coat or jacket with a cream dress or top.
• Brown: Brown is the color of stability, reliability, and earthiness. Wearing brown can make you look grounded, practical, and trustworthy. However, brown can also be seen as dull, boring, or too old-fashioned. If you want to wear brown, you should mix it with brighter colors like yellow, orange, or green. For example, you could wear a brown blazer or jacket with a yellow or orange shirt or blouse, or a brown skirt or pants with a green sweater or cardigan.
• Black: Black is the color of power, sophistication, and elegance. Wearing black can make you look stylish, classy, and confident. However, black can also be seen as depressing, negative, or too formal. If you want to wear black, you should add some color or contrast to your outfit. For example, you could wear a black suit or dress with a colorful tie or scarf, or a black top or bottom with a white or gray jacket or cardigan.
• Gray: Gray is the color of neutrality, balance, and calmness. Wearing gray can make you look modest, mature, and professional. However, gray can also be seen as bland, uninspiring, or too boring. If you want to wear gray, you should spice it up with some color or pattern to your outfit. For example, you could wear a gray suit or dress with a bright shirt or blouse, or a gray sweater or cardigan with a striped or floral skirt or pants.
• White: White is the color of purity, innocence, and simplicity. Wearing white can make you look clean, fresh, and elegant. However, white can also be seen as sterile, cold, or too plain. If you want to wear white, you should add some texture or detail to your outfit. For example, you could wear a white shirt or blouse with lace or embroidery, or a white dress or skirt with ruffles or pleats.

I know that most of you want to express your personality through clothes, and I am absolutely alright with that. There’s no problem with it, but if you want to look smart with what you wear, make sure to dress semi-formally. Don’t overdo it like you’re going to a formal event, and don’t underdo it like you’re going out casually. Make sure it’s modest and dress professionally.

As the wise saying goes, “Dress to impress.”

Don’t Be Shy, Talk

I’m an introvert too, so I know how it feels. But when you talk and participate in class, it gives off this “I want to learn more” or “This is interesting” kind of vibe. Believe me, teachers are the first to be discouraged when the students don’t like their students’ energy. They would ask, “Did you eat breakfast this morning?” or “Hello? Where’s the energy?” That’s because they want to engage with the class. Whether you like it or not, if you want a good recommendation letter from your teacher, just go ahead. Raise that hand and answer.

From my experience going to school, most of my teachers would definitely say that they don’t mind if your answer is wrong. Most of the time, they would correct the student’s mistake, and that’s fine. There’s no shame in saying, “I’m not sure about the answer, Madame/Sir, but I think (state your answer).” Remember, you are a student, not an expert. You’re there to learn, not to be bullied.

Practice Your Accent and Speak Clearly

Your teacher would compliment you for speaking clearly and practicing your accent. It is important to practice your accent and speak clearly for several reasons. Some of them are:

• Practicing your accent and speaking clearly can help you communicate more effectively with others, especially in a global context where English is widely used as a lingua franca. You can avoid misunderstandings, confusion, or frustration that might arise from unclear or ambiguous speech.
• Practicing your accent and speaking clearly can also improve your confidence and self-esteem. You can express yourself more fluently, confidently, and authentically without feeling insecure or embarrassed about your accent. You can also gain more respect and appreciation from others who recognize your efforts and achievements in learning English.
• Practicing your accent and speaking clearly can also enhance your professional and personal opportunities. You can impress potential employers, clients, or partners with your communication skills and show them that you are intelligent, hard-working, and competent. You can also expand your social network and make new friends with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

These are some of the benefits of practicing your accent and speaking clearly. However, this does not mean that you have to change or lose your original accent completely. Your accent is part of your identity and heritage, and it can also make you unique and interesting. As long as you can speak clearly and understandably, you can embrace your own accent and be proud of it.

And if you’re curious, I speak with a Modern RP Accent.

Improve Your Emails

Emails are the key communication these days, and it’s absolutely necessary for you to improve your tone in your email. However, writing emails can also be challenging, as you need to consider the tone, style, format, and content of your messages. Here are some tips and resources to help you improve your email writing skills:

• Be precise and concise. Your emails should be clear, specific, and to the point. Avoid unnecessary words, jargon, or vague expressions. Use short sentences and paragraphs, and use bullet points or lists to organize your information.
• Use proper grammar and spelling. Your emails should be free of errors and typos, as they can affect your credibility and professionalism. Use a grammar extension like Grammarly to check your writing for mistakes and suggestions. Proofread your work before sending it, and review common grammar and spelling mistakes.
• Consider your audience and purpose. Your emails should be tailored to the needs and expectations of your recipients. Think about who you are writing to, what you want them to do, and how you want them to feel. Use an appropriate tone, style, and format for your email. For example, use a formal tone for business emails, a friendly tone for personal emails, and a persuasive tone for marketing emails.
• Write a clear subject line. Your subject line should summarize the main point of your email and catch the attention of your recipients. Use keywords that are relevant and specific, and avoid vague or misleading subject lines. For example, instead of writing “Meeting,” write “Meeting agenda for Monday, October 23.”
• Start with a greeting and end with a closing. Your emails should begin with a polite and respectful greeting that addresses your recipient by name or title. For example, “Dear Mr. Smith,” “Hello Jane,” or “Hi Team.” Your emails should also end with a courteous and professional closing that includes your name and contact information. For example, “Sincerely, John Doe,” “Best regards, Mary Jones,” or “Cheers, Alex Lee.”
• Use a clear structure and layout. Your emails should have a logical and coherent structure that guides your readers through your message. Use headings, subheadings, or bold text to highlight the main points of your email. Use white space, fonts, colors, and images to make your email visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid using too many or too large attachments, as they can slow down or block your email delivery.
• Be polite and positive. Your emails should convey a respectful and friendly attitude towards your recipients. Use words and phrases that express gratitude, appreciation, or compliments. Avoid words and phrases that express anger, criticism, or sarcasm.

But as for me, my tone would be a friendly-formal tone whether I’m speaking to a classmate or a teacher, so as to not seem too snobbish. But, when you’re emailing someone who is unacquainted with you, make sure to write a formal email.

That’s all from me, thanks so much for reading and if you like my work consider buying me a coffee, using this link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mlle.shekinah

And subscribing to my newsletter: https://studyjomarch.ck.page/f7e6df4dc5

Chaleureusement,

Shekinah 👋🏻