Prepossessing

(pronounced pree-puh-zes-ing) adjective

Definition

tending to impress favorably; attractive; pleasing; distinctive.

(Helpful tip: often used in the negative, as in the first, third, and sixth examples)

Other Forms

Unprepossessing (pronounced un-pree-puh-zes-ing) adjective (Note: contrary to most dictionary pronunciations, I have placed a stress on the first syllable. This is because, as a long-time public speaker and communication analyst, I have found that most words beginning with "un" create maximum impact when it is the "un" that is stressed.)

Main Example

This past Sept. 26 was the 50th anniversary of the first ever presidential TV debate in this country or for that matter anywhere else in the world--the one between Richard Nixon and JFK. The 50-year-old video clips also serve as a reminder about what some dash and liveliness can help accomplish on television. As you probably know, people who listened to the debate on radio pronounced Nixon to be the winner, but TV watchers thought otherwise. The latter were no doubt influenced by Kennedy's elegance of manner and apparent self-confidence which were in stark contrast to the appearance of Nixon, who looked anything but prepossessing, thanks to his stiltedness, 5 o'clock shadow (he had declined the studio's offer to get a shave), and visible sweat on his chin.

Workplace Examples

Most CEOs in our industry are tall and have a solid executive presence. Not so in the case of our chief, Al, who is an exception. Standing barely 5' 5", he is quite unprepossessing. However, Al's strong leadership skills more than compensate for his unimposing stature.
You won't believe who they've elected as the leader of the union. A shy and relatively unknown guy, very undistinguished in appearance. . . not at all prepossessing. I bet he was a compromise candidate because of the slugfest between those two stalwarts.

Other Examples

as a result of this author's painstaking search for photographs featuring high-achievers locked in decision making, the front cover of the third edition of "The Articulate Professional" (www.verbalenergy.com/articulatepro.html) being far more prepossessing than was the case with previous editions whose covers were packed with busy copy
to see a 45-second video clip of specific hand movements that can make one appear more prepossessing during interviews and presentations, click here: thearticulateprofessional.blogspot.com/2010/08/nonverbal-communication-skills.html
somebody who has managed to lose over forty pounds and now looks trim and graceful, telling an audience: "I am a perfect example of what most people can achieve in just a few short months. Until recently, I was afraid to even look at myself in a mirror. I was NOT a prepossessing sight."
a small, low-budget film which has no marquee actors or director, nor a flashy DVD jacket, and on the surface looks unprepossessing but is well worth watching for its extremely absorbing and thought-provoking story line; a prepossessing building or other structure; somebody's prepossessing smile; the prepossessing graphic on a magazine cover
Had radio existed in the time of Abraham Lincoln, he would probably have sounded less prepossessing on the air than he looked in person because, according to historians, our 16th president had a high pitched and somewhat squeaky voice.