Attire and communication

It is said that words decide your image but it is not the case. Words account for only seven percent of your image, whereas audible factors represent 38 percent and visible factors 55 percent. You cannot leave a favorable impression to others unless they like your gesture and attire, despite their compliments. Albert Mehrabian said this in his book “Silent Messages” in 1971, also known as ”Mehrabian’s law.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wore a Western suit in the first local visit after the seventh Workers’ Party Congress. It is the first time that he wore a suit instead of a military uniform for a local site visit. It is a kind of “fashion politics” by reminding North Koreans of the good days under his grandfather’s rule to strengthen his authority. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who used to wear British designer brands such as Aquascutum stressed a good attire is a better political communication than hundreds of words, saying, “Dressing well is a very important mission given to me by the state.”

A U.K. consulting company fired a 27-year-old receptionist fired on the first day of her work when she insisted on wearing flat shoes, instead of heels. Some would complain that why an employee is not allowed to choose even her shoes. However, a lawyer working for a law firm is supposed to wear a long sleeve shirt and a tie even during hot summer. People are supposed to wear clothes appropriately depending on time, location and occasion. Those who are strictly disciplined or professionals differentiate themselves in authority by wearing a suit. In both Eastern and Western cultures, people tend to listen more to people who dresses well than not.

President Park Geun-hye wore a pink jacket when she met the floor leaders of three ruling and opposition parties on Friday. Instead of a khaki “combat jacket,” which she used to wear to show her firm determination, she delivered softness and warmth with the jacket. The president appeared to show her open mind to the leaders of opposition parties, with cooperation in mind. Woo Sang-ho, floor leader of the main opposition Minjoo Party, showed the party’s intention of cooperation by wearing a tie with red of the ruling Saenuri Party and blue of the Minjoo Party. Attire can make communication easier. However, a true heart, rather than attire, can make others move and communicate beyond the walls.