You are meeting a potential client, William, for the first time. He is a high net worth individual and you are keen to get his business. Which of the following would you consider the most important to create an impressive first impression on your potential client?

According to widely accepted communication studies, such as the Mehrabian model, the initial impression and the communication of feelings and attitudes are overwhelmingly influenced by non-verbal cues. Body language (e.g., posture, eye contact, gestures) accounts for the majority (around 55%) of the impact. While the tone of voice (38%) and the actual words used (7%) are also components of communication, body language is the most significant factor in establishing rapport and creating a positive first impression, especially in a professional client-facing meeting.

B. The volume of your voice is only one aspect of the vocal component and is less impactful than overall body language.
C. The specific words used have the least impact on the emotional aspect of a first impression compared to non-verbal and vocal cues.
D. The tone of your voice is a significant factor but is generally considered less impactful than overall body language in forming an initial impression.

1. IFSE Institute, Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC), Part 2, Chapter 10: The Client Relationship, Section: "Communication Skills".

2. Mehrabian, A. (1971). Silent Messages. Wadsworth Publishing Company. (This foundational research establishes the 7%-38%-55% rule for communicating feelings and attitudes).

3. Peffers, J. (2016). Communication Skills for Business Professionals. University of Southern Queensland Pressbooks. Chapter 2.1: "Principles of Nonverbal Communication".