Halo Effect: How It Works and How to Use It

In most cases, individuals have a cognitive biases behavior whereby they judge another person’s character and how they think depending on their overall impression. Such biases are referred to as halo effect or physical attractiveness stereotype. As a result of this effect, positive qualities are usually attributed to physically attractive individuals, even when they do not possess the conditions in question. For instance, an individual who looks attractive physically is also seen to be friendlier, smarter, more liberal and wealthier, by other people in the society. However, for one to alter their appearance and make themselves look more attractive, they should ensure that they look good and display an excellent facial expression (Floyd, 2016). Additionally, they should also be groomed appropriately, and be well shaved to ensure that they create an impressive look. 

Personal appearance conveys a judgmental message to other people. For example, a good look might make other people think that one friendlier and smarter. Consequently, if one does not have an attractive look, other people are more likely to judge him as unfriendly and not smart enough. However, the thoughts might be unrelated. Similarly, well-groomed persons, the ones with a well-kept or shaved hair, are seen to be wealthier and more liberal, only because of their excellent look. Arguably, adjustments to improve personal attractiveness are vital in securing more competence communication. Research conducted has indicated that most judgments about a person are made depending on their attractive looks. For instance, in an interview, an attractive applicant is more likely to secure the vacant position compared to their fellow applicants who do not look attractive enough (Cherry, 2018). The prospective employer assumes that individuals with good looks are more qualified, intelligent, and competent even before subjecting them to a test to prove their assumptions. As a result, the good looking interviewee becomes more competitively advantaged due to the communication they have already made by their look. 

References  

Cherry, K. (2018). The Hola Effect. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-halo-effect-2795906 

Floyd, K. (2016). Interpersonal Communication Third Edition.