Susan Boyle | Britain's Got Talent Sensation

When the cameras turned to Simon Cowell as Susan Boyle walked onto the stage for her audition in “Has Britain Got Talent” his expression was one of complete disbelief, and yet she hadn’t even opened her mouth.  Simon and probably the entire audience and most of the viewers at home had made a 30 second judgement of Susan, just from her appearance.

Susan Boyle has the voice of an angel and the assumption is made that someone with a beautiful voice should look beautiful; in a conventional way.  In other words young, slim, attractive and tastefully dressed.

To debate the rights and wrongs of judging people by their appearance alone, could be lengthy.  The fact is that we all make instant judgements about everybody we meet and this is based on their appearance and much of this is to do with what they are wearing.  In fact according to research by Professor Albert Mehrabian, 55% of our behaviour and appearance is remembered from the first 30 seconds of meeting someone.  How we look, can affect the way people judge us.

Wearing colours that suit you and clothes that flatter your body lines, scale and proportions, express your personality, are current and appropriate for your age and the occasion will make a huge difference to the first impression you make on strangers.

Sometimes that first 30 seconds is vital.  An interview for a new job, a chance meeting with someone who may become your future spouse, a request for help when your car won’t start; all situations when you are meeting a stranger for the first time and how they perceive you may make them decide in your favour, or not!  Whilst we are quick to make a judgement, it can take 15 years to change that first impression you make on someone else.

I am glad that Susan Boyle showed the world that first impressions are not always correct, but I am not sure I am willing to take the risk and have a second chance at changing people’s views once they have made their instant decision about me, based on how I look!