The meaning of color in business communication. The meaning of color in business communication The psychology of color the use of color in business

You have most likely heard about the dress code, as well as the saying that people are greeted by their clothes. No one needs to be convinced of the importance of a competent selection of clothes and accessories. However, it usually refers to their style. But it turns out that the color of clothes and accessories is no less, if not more important, element of business communication technique. How does the color of your clothes affect your professional and personal effectiveness? How to "read" the personality of the interlocutor by the color of his clothes? What messages do colors send to our subconscious?

Many years ago I read an article on this topic and used its advice successfully for many years. Today I decided to dig deeper and see what other materials I can find on the English-speaking Internet. The results of my "excavations" are collected in this article.

It is no coincidence that since ancient times there is a saying "Meet by clothes ...". We can understand a lot about a person by his clothes, consciously looking at his outfit and accessories. The way a person dresses reflects his character, property status, level of education, and possibly profession. The analysis of clothes and accessories is taught at trainings as part of the study of business communication techniques, in particular, in the study of personality typology.

But it turns out very important information gets our subconscious. It, regardless of our conscious efforts, reacts to the appearance of the interlocutor. And color plays a key role in this subconscious reaction.

The color scheme of the interlocutor's clothes affects our subconscious, forming a certain attitude towards this person. Numerous scientific studies testify to this.
How is the subconscious attitude of people to different colors formed? Scientists believe that such an attitude is formed by collective cultural traditions, biological associations. For example, red is associated with aggression because many people's faces turn red when they are angry. Also, red is associated with danger, because it has historically developed in nature - red insects signal: "Do not touch me - I am dangerous." Therefore, people began to paint the alarm buttons and stop valves red.
It is interesting that people subconsciously choose the color of clothing that matches their character or state of mind on this moment. A young man in black, most likely, will not be very sociable and talkative. He subconsciously feels that black is the color of protection and solitude. It is no coincidence that the monks wear black vestments.
However, the color scheme of your clothes can also be used consciously in order to position yourself in communication with other people in the way you need. This is a very effective business communication technique. From the first second of communication with a stranger or acquaintance, you can send the signal you need to his subconscious.
For example, when I was in sales as a young man and was quite attractive to the male sex, I wore lilac-purple clothes to negotiations with men whose pestering began to annoy me. And it worked every time - my interlocutors calmed down, switched to a business wave, we could conduct constructive negotiations. If a lady, on the contrary, needs to excite a man, she intuitively puts on a red dress. The Lady in Red is a classic of the genre!

By the way, young girls and women, do not wear pale lilac and purple clothes, no matter how fashionable they may be, in the presence of your beloved men! Or don't be surprised that you have problems in the sexual area.
Another example is the yellow jersey. Yellow is subconsciously associated with leadership. I have had experience with this color. When I came to work as a boss in an established team of energetic young men, I needed to establish myself and gain informal leadership. Then a few yellow blouses and scarves appeared in my wardrobe. I made sure to wear something yellow to meetings with my subordinates.
Two remarks before we move on to a detailed study of the effect of color on the subconscious.

Please note that there are active and neutral colors. Neutral colors convey the least amount of information to the subconscious. These include: beige, black and white. Beige is the "no" color. It can be used if you don't want to draw attention to yourself at all. Black, as we said, is the color of protection. Its neutrality is associated with secrecy. White color carries only social associations (marriage in the West, funerals in the East), in nature it is just a fusion of all the colors of the rainbow, purity with emptiness.
Another important point. The meaning of colors may vary somewhat for different nationalities. The list below was developed for Western European culture.
So, below is a detailed table of color values. Use it to increase your personal effectiveness!

COLOR	Causes associations:	Use to…
red	love, danger, aggression, lightning speed, courage, determination	show who is in charge, dominate, provoke a conflict or a direct showdown, seduce.
Orange	enthusiasm, cheerfulness, creativity, positive pressure	bring revival, emphasize the creativity of the approach to issues.
yellow	leadership, attention capture, energy	take the lead, take the initiative.
green	reliability, devotion, calmness, optimism	show that you are a reliable performer, a devoted subordinate.
blue	balance, professionalism, stability	show that you are a professional in your field, an expert, ready to negotiate on serious topics.
violet	detachment, coldness, self-confidence	show that you know your worth, keep your distance, set up in an analytical way.
grey	conservatism, intellectuality, seriousness	show your neutrality, restraint and good taste.
brown	reliability, trust, informal, friendly attitude	show that you can be trusted, that you are not eager to become leaders, that you are ready to play by the rules.
black	formality, force, seclusion	hide your “I” and your attitude to the issue as much as possible, get away from familiarity.
white	purity, peace, innocence	show their openness and sincerity, present themselves as a naive idealist.

The color of clothes and accessories as a technique of business communication is used quite rarely, however, marketers very widely use the features of the influence of colors on the human subconscious. In marketing, colors are often used to attract customers in the following ways:

Red- a symbol of urgency, stimulates impulsive purchases.
Orange- a symbol of energy, also stimulates impulsive purchases.
Blue, cyan- used in banking to convince of its reliability.
Green– to reassure clients (for example, in medical institutions).
Pink- to create a romantic mood (goods for girls and women).
Yellow– to attract attention (color of displays and advertising).
Black- a symbol of strength, for the sale of luxurious expensive goods.

The color scheme is simple and useful tool personal efficiency. Take a look inside your wardrobe right now and look at its contents as a powerful tool for influencing and achieving success!

Based on materials from websites: www.changingminds.org, www.squidoo.com, www.crystal-cure.com.

You have probably heard about the dress code, as well as the saying that people are greeted by clothes. No one needs to be convinced of the importance of choosing the right clothes and accessories. However, style is usually implied. But it turns out that the color of clothes and accessories is no less, if not more important, element of business communication technique. How does the color of your clothes affect your professional and personal activities? How to "read" the personality of the interlocutors by the color of his clothes? What messages do colors send to your subconscious?

It is no coincidence that since ancient times there is a saying "Meet by clothes ...". We can understand a lot about a person by his clothes, consciously looking at his outfit and accessories. The way a person dresses reflects his character, property status, level of education, possibly profession. The analysis of clothes and accessories is presented at trainings as part of the study of business communication techniques, in particular, in the study of personality typology.

But it turns out that our subconscious also receives very important information. It, regardless of our conscious efforts, reacts to the appearance of the interlocutor. And color plays a key role in this subconscious reaction.

The color scheme of the interlocutor's clothes affects our subconscious, forming a certain attitude towards this person. Numerous scientific studies testify to this.

How is the subconscious attitude of people to different colors formed? Scientists believe that this attitude is formed by collective cultural traditions, biological associations. For example, red is associated with aggression because many people's faces turn red when they are angry. Also, red is associated with danger, because it has historically developed in nature - red insects signal: "Do not touch me - I am dangerous." Therefore, people began to paint the alarm buttons and stop valves red.

Interestingly, people subconsciously choose the color of clothing that matches their character or state of mind at the moment. A young man in black, most likely, will not be sociable and talkative. He subconsciously celebrates that black is the color of protection and solitude. It is no coincidence that the monks wear black vestments. However, the color scheme of your clothes can be used consciously in order to position yourself in communication with other people in the way you need. This is a very effective business communication technique. From the first second of communication with a stranger or acquaintance, you can send the signal you need to his subconscious.

Please note that there are active and neutral colors. Neutral colors convey the least amount of information to the subconscious. These include: beige, black and white. Beige is "no" color. It can be used if you don't want to draw attention to yourself at all. Black, as mentioned earlier, is the color of protection. Its neutrality is associated with secrecy. White color carries only social associations (marriage in the West, funerals in the East), in nature it is just a fusion of all the colors of the rainbow, purity with emptiness.

Another important point. The meaning of colors can vary somewhat for different nationalities. The list below was developed for Western European culture. So, below is a detailed table of color values.

	Causes associations:	Use to...
	Love, danger, aggression, lightning speed, courage, determination	Show who is in charge, dominate, provoke a conflict or a direct showdown, seduce.
Orange	Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, creativity, positive pressure	Bring revival, emphasize the creativity of the approach to issues.
	Leadership, Attention Capture, Energy	Lead, take the initiative.
	Reliability, loyalty, calmness, optimism	Show that you are a reliable performer, a devoted subordinate.
	Balance, professionalism, stability	Show that you are a professional in your field, an expert, ready to negotiate on serious topics.
Violet	Detachment, coldness, self-confidence	Show that you know your worth, keep your distance, set up in an analytical way.
	Conservative, intellectual, serious	Show your neutrality, restraint and good taste.
Brown	Reliability, trust, informal, friendly attitude	Show that you can be trusted, that you are not eager to become leaders, that you are ready to play by the rules.
	Officiality, strength, isolation	He hides his "I" and his attitude to the issue as much as possible, to get away from familiarity.
	Purity, peace, innocence	Show your openness and sincerity, present yourself as a naive idealist.

The color of clothes and accessories as a technique of business communication is used quite rarely, however, marketers very widely use the features of the influence of colors on the human subconscious. In marketing to attract customers, it is often used as follows:

o red - a symbol of urgency, stimulates impulsive purchases.
o orange - a symbol of energy, also stimulates impulsive purchases.
o yellow - to attract attention (the color of advertising displays).
o green - to reassure clients (for example, in medical institutions.
o blue, blue - used in banking to convince oneself of one's reliability.
o pink - to create a romantic mood (goods for girls and women).
o black - a symbol of strength, for the sale of luxurious expensive goods.

The color scheme is a simple and useful tool for personal effectiveness.

The question of color, its influence on a person can be considered from different points of view. So, the choice of a certain color scheme, the preference for this (and not another) color in clothes, accessories, the emphasis on certain tones in the design of a home is quite diagnostic. It is no coincidence that the Luscher color test is considered one of the most effective in diagnosing a person's psychological state.

Based on the analysis of the choice of colors, Luscher assessed the working capacity of the individual, his prospects in this direction, found out the indicators of anxiety, the causes of anxiety, and much more. Numerous international studies have shown that the use of the Luscher technique and its interpretation can reveal many personality traits. However, one should not trust the simplified statements that only physically healthy people prefer red, and those who choose green color strive for self-affirmation, and blue color is the lot of phlegmatic people. Of course, the choice of clothing color can tell a lot about the character of a person to a specialist, while a non-professional and an average person often allows himself to draw an unreasonable conclusion about the nature of this choice.

We should not forget about the requirements of business etiquette for the color scheme of a classic suit, as well as about the color types, into which, depending on the appearance, we are all divided. Thus, there is no doubt that color has an impact on people and plays a significant role in a wide variety of areas of our lives.

A person's clothing (his color and style) can be one way non-verbal communication, because it conveys information about the level of well-being, status and mood of its owner. So, a person in red is able to give the impression of a strong active and impulsive personality, a leader and a fighter in life. In yellow - a sociable, intellectual and ready-to-change person. In green - a sensible professional with an inexhaustible supply of energy and will. In blue - a wise politician who can solve the problem he faces. In purple - a person with good intuition and creative abilities.

Each country has its own attitude to color and its perception, and there is even its own national and cultural specificity, which must also be taken into account when business communication.

The favorite colors of a particular country are usually reflected in the national flag.

In America, red is associated with love, yellow with prosperity, green with reliability, blue with fidelity, white represents purity, tranquility, peace, and black is a symbol of complexity and emergency. In Austria, green is the most popular color; in Bulgaria - dark green and brown; Pakistan - emerald green; in Italy - red, yellow and green, and in Holland - orange and blue.

In general, the closer to the East, the more importance is attached to the symbolism of color. So, in China, red means kindness and courage, black means honesty, and white, in contrast to the symbol of purity and holiness generally accepted by Europeans! associated with meanness and deceit.

It is interesting why the requirements for men's business attire are the same in almost all countries - a black or gray suit, a white or blue shirt, a matching tie, shoes polished to a shine, expensive watch... However, with respect to business woman these rules do not apply, and each country has its own idea of what a real businesswoman should look like.

Americans consider a fashionable, well-tailored trouser suit to be suitable clothing for a business woman. Highly visible and carefully applied make-up is required. Hairstyle can be any, but preference is given to a business short haircut.

Business Englishwomen, in contrast to the prevailing opinion about them, are not stiff, but adhere to strict rules of etiquette. For business meeting they will pick up a classic suit of non-cutting colors. As less as possible jewelry, carefully applied make-up.

Germans tend to be somewhat conservative in their clothing. They prefer calm, slightly boring classics, calm colors. Strict business hairstyle. Minimum embellishment.

French women are very good at dressing. And while sticking classical style, but without dryness, "with a kind of charm": a light scarf to an elegant suit, a fashionable, tasteful brooch...

Italians prefer expressive and extravagant business clothes. High Quality and exquisite taste. Expensive jewelry, bright and warm color palette.

Business Spaniards most often use a combination of black and white or black and red with gold trim in their clothes. And the Greek women are close to the business silhouette of flowing fabric in pastel colors....

Thus, as we can see, each country has its own idea of the norms and rules of non-verbal communication. Knowing these features will help not only to avoid misperceptions, but also to make a favorable impression on the interlocutor and establish long-term partnerships with him.

Each color affects our psychological state. Some colors attract attention, while others repel. Therefore, the color of the clothes that we put on forms certain psychological sensations from our presence in those around us. Understanding the meanings of colors, you can manage the impression and create.

It should be borne in mind that there are various factors that affect the perception of color, such as age, social status, territorial factor, as well as individual psychological characteristics.

Blue/blue color

Blue color inspires confidence and creates an impression of seriousness, thoughtfulness and reliability. This is the color of authority, it is no coincidence that the business dress code for men for business formal events prescribes the wearing of a dark blue suit. The blue color calms, but at the same time keeps in good shape. Represents conservatism. Blue is conducive to communication. Choose blue clothes when you want to fight anxiety and excitement. This color is attractive to people of a phlegmatic temperament. The combination of blue and white is considered ideal for careerists, this combination develops flexibility and the ability to adapt. This color is necessary if you need to restore balance in life. The most popular corporate color. The color of wisdom. Causes processes in the body that promote relaxation. Blue clothing symbolizes trust and loyalty.

Turquoise

Combines the positive properties of both blue and green. It has the ability to strengthen all body systems, gives rise to self-confidence. Wear turquoise to give yourself confidence and strength.

Green color

This is the most comfortable color for visual perception. Green color relieves fatigue and improves tone. The perfect color to build strength. This is the color of stability and prosperity, it is often chosen by bankers. A dark green suit for men is a sign of conservative views, but at the same time, a slight accent of this color in a tie gives the impression of a stubborn person. Light green, on the contrary, personifies youth, lightness and frivolity. In Islam, green is associated with paradise. A symbol of will and self-affirmation. Represents growth and development. Green helps suppress feelings such as jealousy, envy and greed. If you are an image stylist, then be sure to take the course "Psychology for a stylist".

Red color

It's dynamic and passionate. A woman in a red dress is always noticeable. Red should be worn when you want to draw attention to yourself, to be in the center of events. But at the same time, if you want to establish contact and win over interlocutors, it is better to choose softer shades of red, because rich red can not only attract attention, but also psychologically suppress, it is a very authoritarian color. Red color is loved by choleric people. In most Asian countries, it symbolizes marriage, happiness and prosperity. People in red clothes seem more respectable. At work, too much red can lead to nervousness. A small element of red in clothes will help emphasize courage and energy. Add this color to your life if you lack enthusiasm and interest in life.

Pink color

The color of tenderness and love. When a girl puts on pink clothes, men awaken the desire to protect and protect her. Causes tender feelings. Among men, pink is chosen only by the most self-confident. The color is categorically not suitable for the business sphere, because it can be associated with naivety and frivolity.

Purple

In ancient times, purple dyes were extremely expensive, as they are rare in nature, so only members of the royal family could afford purple clothes. Since then, the color has been associated with royal grandeur and respectability. Purple expands the imagination of creative people.

Orange color

Orange is the color of joy and optimism. Scientists say that prolonged contemplation of the color orange compensates for the daily dose of vitamin C. Orange creates a feeling of well-being and positive, it gives energy and uplifts the mood. This color is not recommended for use in a business environment, unless your business is related to creativity and creativity. Symbolizes creativity, inspiration, uniqueness and activity. Awakens the appetite. Orange rooms are conducive to conversation. This color is clearly distinguishable, so it is present in the clothes of road workers. Choose orange clothes if you need to cheer up.

Yellow

Like orange, it is uplifting because it is associated with sunshine and joy. Yellow, being a very bright color, always attracts attention. Choosing yellow clothes on a cloudy day will ensure good mood to yourself and those around you. Yellow, like orange, is attractive to sanguine people. Luminous color. Symbolizes intelligence. Yellow in combination with black is considered a sign of danger; most poisonous insects are painted in this color combination. In Japan, it is associated with courage. Yellow carries the semantics of change, detente and dynamic trend. It personifies humor, not without reason the emoticons are colored yellow. Accelerates metabolism. Physiologically, it is the first color recognized by human vision. The visual sensations are brighter and more voluminous than white. An unbalanced person, an excess of yellow can push him into extravagant actions. Yellow is suitable for those who are insecure and those who need to attract attention. In small quantities, it can give vigor and increase concentration. Improves memory. Yellow with purple is considered a mystical combination.

Brown color

Brown color has to itself, associatively it is warm and soft. This color promotes frank conversations. Well suited for a first business meeting or job interview, brown will give you the impression of being solid, practical, stable and inviting. This color helps in trade and financial matters. Brown gives wisdom and the ability to maintain an even relationship.

Grey colour

Neutral color, it does not cause bright emotions, therefore it is suitable for business environment, as it does not distract from the focus on important matters. Gray is the color of balance. Also, if you want to show your willingness to obey the rules, this may be relevant in a new workplace, wear gray. Gray symbolizes calmness, measuredness, security and maturity. But, at the same time, frequent wearing of gray clothes may not have the best effect on your image, you run the risk of appearing as a faceless, withdrawn and lack of initiative person. This color is indispensable in situations where you need to take the position of an outside observer, staying on the sidelines. Native Americans associate this color with honor and friendship, in Asia it is a symbol of responsiveness. Gray color is especially pleasant for melancholic people.

White color

A symbol of purity and lightness. Psychologically "extinguishes" irritation. White clothes are solemn and elegant, because white is a very easily soiled color, unlike other colors, it does not appear so often in everyday wardrobe, so white always attracts special attention. All over the world, the white flag is a symbol of reconciliation. A very bright white color can cause anxiety and discomfort for some. At the same time, this color promotes clarity and freshness of thought.

Black color

The black color is elegant, but it does not catch the eye and does not stand out from the crowd. Positive associations: sophistication, grace, dignity and mystery. In China, strangely enough it is a color for young children, in Asia it symbolizes career and knowledge. In Japan, it is a rebellious color. Black color strengthens the will and helps to concentrate. Black builds distance, helps to step back, it is chosen by people who communicate a lot, so in many stores consultants are dressed in black. Color therapy refers to black as a color that stimulates self-confidence.

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I am glad to present you the fifth issue of the "Psychological Bulletin", in which you can findpsychological recommendations for choosing the color of a business suit, as well as a continuation of the topic "Rules of business communication."

No. 5 "Let there be color" July 20, 2011

The use of color symbolism when choosing a business suit

Favorable appearance and taste in clothes is an important part of how you engage in a business environment and influence the mood and feelings of others. Business clothing acts as a kind of communication tool, a means of influencing the behavior and attitude of other people towards us. Appearance is the first step to success, a kind of code, business card, which indicate the degree of solidity and reliability, this is information about your rank, wealth, social status belonging to certain circles. Feeling untidy in appearance indicates disrespect for oneself and others. Neatness and smartness in clothes are associated with organization in work, with the ability to value one's own and other people's time.

Your clothes should speak for you before you speak.

Think about the extent to which you agree with the following statements, evaluating your preferences on a 10-point scale.

Your business attire is a reflection of:

1.Your character
2.Your self-esteem
3.Your professionalism
4.Your respect for others
5.Your prosperity
6.Your mood
7. Your culture

You may have noted that clothing in one way or another is a reflection of your wealth, mood, culture, etc. etc. In fact, business attire reflects each of these characteristics. By clothing, one can judge the degree of conservatism of a person, his cheerfulness, the level of risk taken. Clothing and the choice of color for a business suit can serve as a non-verbal signal of how open a person is to communication and willing to interact..

The color range of business suits is very limited. Color is a specific wavelength of light that objects absorb or reflect. Each color has its own wavelength and we choose certain colors depending on our well-being and mood. In order to choose the right color for a business suit, you need to know about the effect of color on the human psyche. The power of color lies in the fact that it is able to “bypass” the defense mechanisms of our consciousness and act on an unconscious level.

Determine your preferences when choosing the color of a business suit:

Red (pink, burgundy)
Orange
Yellow
Green (dark green, bright green)
Blue (dark blue, light blue)
Violet
Black or white
Brown
Grey

Taking into account the principles of the "language of color", you will be able to determine color preferences any person, understand the universal meaning of color and be able to choose the most effective color scheme for any situation and object.

Features of color perception should also be taken into account depending on nationality and country.

For example, Red color like in Mexico, Norway, Iran, but not like in Ireland. In China, it is the color of the holiday and a sign of good luck, happiness, constancy, nobility. In India it means life, action, enthusiasm. Orange the color is very loved in Holland, symbolizes the emotional sphere, creates an atmosphere of well-being and fun. In Brazil yellow the color symbolizes despair, and combined with purple color - disease. For Syrian Muslims yellow is a symbol of death, and in Russia this color is often perceived as a sign of separation. In China, after red, yellow the color is especially popular, being a symbol of empire, splendor, radiance.

Green color is loved in Mexico, Australia, Ireland, Egypt. In India, it symbolizes peace and hope, and for Muslims, it is a guardian from the evil eye.

White color- one of the most beloved colors of Mexicans, in China it is the color of danger, and for Europeans it is the color of youth and purity.

Symbolism of color preferences

Colors	Psychological effect
Dark blue	Emotional warmth
	Seriousness, respectability
red-orange	Conquering and enterprising spirit

blue green	Clarity, security
	Novelty, modernism, future and development
Brown	Earthiness, everyday life
Violet	Creativity, depression
	Purification, holiness, purity
	elegance, power

And now more about some of these colors.

Red color - symbolizes power, superiority over others. It is not recommended to wear clothes of this color all the time, but only when you intentionally want to make yourself known. It is a life-affirming color, dynamic and emotional. But at the same time, it is aggressive, dominant over other colors, promotes nervous tension, enhances muscle activity, and increases the energy resources of the body. It is the color of saints and dictators, leaders, loving life. It is preferred by balanced, courageous, strong-willed, powerful, sociable personalities and altruists. The acceptable shade of red in a business suit is burgundy.

Pink color - associated with the spiritual joy of unity with peace and hope. Feminine, noble and dreamy, but at the same time weak and infantile. The bright pink color calms, makes a person passive and causes muscle weakness. Avoid wearing pink when solving controversial and problematic issues in conversation with opponents. Sensitive people prefer this color.

Brown color - the color of earthiness, everyday life. It is the color of stability and confidence, but intense brown can be tiring. The abundance of brown in clothes indicates that a person feels dependent on society and the need for its support. Brown color for a business suit is suitable in cases where someone needs to win over and call for frankness. This color should be avoided if you want to draw attention, as the reaction can be reversed.

Yellow - invigorates, cheers up, speeds up visual perception, makes the sense of the world around us stable and clear. This color stimulates brain activity. Too bright and in large quantities it is tiring. It is necessary to avoid the yellow color when solving controversial and problematic issues, in this case you will be perceived as a frivolous person. Yellow color is loved by people who strive for independence and achieve their goals.

Orange color - associated with luxury, joy, fire, causes a feeling of well-being, joy, but is not recommended when choosing a business suit, as it is too active and bright. This is a "hot", "vibrating" color.

Blue colour - causes trust and sympathy, the color of authority and power. All blue shades help to soberly assess any situation. It is the color of intuition and wisdom, calm, reliable, balanced and noble. But at the same time, he is conservative, cold and authoritarian. The color is very suitable for business clothes, creates a calm business environment, seriousness and responsibility.

Purple - encourages creativity, stimulates fantasy, passion for everything new, but causes sadness and depresses the psyche, gives rise to a state of imbalance, anxiety, depression, instability and irrationality.

Green color - the color of nature, the calmest color, sharpens hearing, enhances heart contractions, has confidence, has a beneficial effect on a person, relieves fatigue. Dark green color symbolizes stubbornness and self-sufficiency. This color is suitable in cases where you need to concentrate with overwork, fatigue, stress. It is good for business clothes (marsh, needles, moss, olive, khaki). Avoiding preference for this color is necessary when conducting political negotiations, since a person dressed in a green suit is perceived, in this case, as a conservative.

Grey colour - balanced, respectable and serious. This color is perfect for business wear. He is authoritarian and gives the impression that the person knows his stuff. The unmistakable choice of this color for public speaking, when used on new job. In combination with white, it speaks of seriousness, emphasizes professional quality. Gray color is preferred by people who are reasonable, strict in self-esteem, striving to preserve peace of mind but "those who are afraid to declare themselves loudly."

White color- symbolizes: purification, holiness, purity, the dying of the old and the birth of the new. But, at the same time, “neutral” and “sick leave”. The color is suitable for creating contrast (white-black). Love the color white people seeking to start new life who prefer peace and quiet, seeking sympathy. It is suitable for people with any character and, when combined with a different color, for a business suit.

Black color - personifies elegance, imperiousness and strength, simplicity and good taste. It emphasizes other colors, gives them a deeper sound, but in large quantities it depresses, causes pessimism, stress. The color is suitable for a formal business dinner, but it will not distinguish you “in the crowd”, it needs an additional color for contrast.

Why are we interrupting each other?

One of the rules of business communication is as follows: "Do not interrupt unnecessarily!". But it is this habit that very often acts as a barrier to effective interpersonal interaction. Interrupt each other and professors on television. They interrupt even on teleconferences. The husband's wife, the husband's wife, the mother-in-law, the daughter-in-law, the son-in-law, the brother-sister interrupt. Why do we interrupt each other? Let's try to understand this issue.

They interrupt because...

“I'm afraid I'll lose my mind! I'm afraid it will be forgotten my thought, what will be forgotten his thought, I'm not afraid. They say that one great scientist - as if even Einstein himself - wrote down something in a small notebook. He explained to the inquisitive that he was writing down a successful thought that came to mind. Why such a small notebook? - the man did not let up. “But because few successful thoughts come to mind,” Einstein replied.

So, don't be afraid, even if the thought is forgotten, it is less important than the relationship. In addition, it will not be forgotten if it seems important to you; after a while you will remember it. Valuable thoughts are not forgotten. But if you are still very afraid of losing it, then carry a notepad and a fountain pen with you, so that as soon as a thought arises, but you can’t interrupt, you would immediately write it down. The communication partner will think that you are summarizing his speech, and even if he realizes that you are not summarizing his, but your future speech, you are still his didn't interrupt.

The fear that your partner will not hear your valuable thought right now is also in vain. You to him at another time in a more relaxed atmosphere, when he will not be carried away by the flow of his own thoughts, state it. And he will be ready for her perception - what you need.

It's also pointless to interrupt. What does the person they are trying to kill do? Does he stop and listen carefully to you? No, he speeds up the pace of speech in order to quickly express what he wanted to convey to you, increases the volume, also thinking that you will hear him, that by adding decibels, he will be better understood. But now look at what happens: You are talking together, louder and faster, completely not listening to each other.

Another reason why we interrupt a partner in communication is the desire to express an interesting idea first. Let your partner want the same. Or maybe it’s better to show nobility and be satisfied, like Socrates, with the fact that you, like him, are a midwife of thought - contribute to the awakening of thought with your questions; and when the partner formulates it first, say that you thought so too.

But not only interrupting a partner and not only rigid resistance to interruption are conflictogenic. It's a long monologue monologue speech when a person speaks for a long time, listening to himself, although he seems to be addressing another, it is also conflictogenic. A person wants to be listened to only him. This is often the case though. One theme ends and another begins. And the partner wants to be listened to too. One witty man said to such a talkative subject: "Well, you again entered into a monologue with me." And so, it is not necessary to enter into a monologue, it is better - into a dialogue.

It also happens. We do not interrupt, but still do not listen to the partner, and at this time we are looking for counterarguments, and as soon as the partner is silent, we immediately intervene with our objection. And we try to speak faster and louder, so that, while he takes a breath, everything will be blurted out during this interval. Or more than that, there are signs of impatience. We all the time seem to start with a breath, but stop before pronouncing the words. In the described options, we do not seem to interrupt the interlocutor - does this mean that this is neutral behavior? Formally, yes, but in essence, a person implicitly understands that they do not perceive him. If we only wait for a pause to insert our word, then this is still a dissatisfaction with the partner’s need to be listened to and understood. Also tension, also, in essence, conflictogenic. We must wait until the person makes it clear what he is listening to now.

Let yourself be interrupted.

Even the very thought of it seems unacceptable. "We can't interrupt while another can interrupt?" There is a clear injustice here. Yes. Not fair. But noble. And you look nice in front of yourself, and in front of others, and in front of the talkative person himself. If you just shut up not formally, just to shut up, but really you are all - attention. And even specially translate your attentive gaze into his eyes. It makes sense to develop the ability to instantly break off at the “quarter-word” as soon as the partner took air into his lungs for a phrase or gave another non-verbal signal about his desire to speak out. Being interrupted is a very effective psychotechnical technique that allows you to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

What would you like to see in the next issue of the Psychological Bulletin, we will be happy to answer your questions. We are waiting for suggestions and wishes.

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The meaning of color in business communication. The meaning of color in business communication The psychology of color the use of color in business

No. 5 "Let there be color" July 20, 2011

Let yourself be interrupted.

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