People get first impression in seconds, but what exactly are they looking at when they judge you?
A professor Amy Caddy and her group have been studying first impressions for more than 15 years, and have discovered something in common. In her new book Presence, Cuddy says people quickly answer two questions when they first meet you: Can I trust this person? Can I respect this person?
Psychologists translate these questions as warmth and competence (能力), and usually, we want to be seen as having both. Interestingly, Cuddy says that most people, especially in their workplace, believe that competence is the more important one. After all, they want to prove that they are smart and talented enough to do their job well. But in fact, warmth, or trustworthiness, is the most important one in how people judge you. “From an evolutionary (进化的) point of view,” Cuddy says, “it matters more to our survival to know whether a person deserves our trust.”
While competence is highly valued, Cuddy says it is considered only after trust is set up. And focusing too much on showing your strength can backfire. Cuddy says MBA students often care so much about being seen as smart and competent that it can lead them to avoid social events, not to ask for help, and generally to come off as unfriendly. These overachievers (特优者) invite their trouble when they don’t get the job offer because nobody gets to know and trust them as people.
“If someone you’re trying to influence doesn’t trust you, you’re not going to get very far. In fact, you might even be considered not reliable because you come across as bossy (专横的),” Cuddy says. “A warm, trustworthy person who is also strong gets admiration, but only after you’ve established trust does your strength become a gift rather than a threat.”
12. Why does the author ask the question in paragraph 1?
A.To offer a tip. | B.To present a belief. |
C.To predict the ending. | D.To introduce the topic. |
13. What is the most important factor in how people make a judgement on a person?
A.Warmth. | B.Selflessness. | C.Smartness. | D.Talent. |
14. What does the underlined word “backfire” mean in paragraph 4?
A.Leave a job. | B.Catch a big fire. | C.Cause bad effects. | D.Shoot bullets from a gun. |
15. What is the best title for the text?
A.Competence first, warmth second | B.The importance of first impression |
C.Trust deciding first good impressions | D.The secret to success of MBA students |