Monday 06 February 2012

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Some people are the centre of attention wherever they go. They’re not glamorous movie stars, just ordinary people with excellent command over their body language.

Here are some pointers to help you emulate these confident people and command respect from those around you.

Posture can say a lot about a person. Confident people seem to naturally stand tall, while those who slouch look like they’re down on themselves. Be sure that you’re presenting yourself in a way that commands respect.

What to do:
1. Stand tall, even if you’re the shortest person in the room. Keeping your shoulders pushed back will lend you an air of confidence.
2. Spread your weight evenly on both feet instead of leaning on one. You don’t need to stand at perfect attention, just keep your feet apart so you balance well.
3. Take your hands out of your pockets, or you may be seen like you’ve got something to hide. Hold them loosely by your side.
4. Stand with your arms crossed behind your back. Your shoulders will get pulled back automatically.

Eye Contact
When holding a conversation, the person you’re speaking with should focus on your eyes. They indicate your emotions and can show whether you’re paying attention or not. Be considerate of what your eyes tell about you: show others respect and you’ll get respect in return.

What to do:
1. Look directly at the person you are talking to in order to exude confidence.

Sitting Pretty
Your posture while sitting is just as important as standing. Your level of interest in a conversation can be easily read by the position you sit in. Be careful to position yourself in a way that shows you’re powerful and actively engaged in what others have to say.

What to do:
1. Sit straight so that your shoulders touch the back of your chair. Slouching promotes the image of laziness.
2. Rest your hands on the arms of your chair, place them on your knees, or fold them on your lap so that they are not a distraction.
3. Make sure your chair is positioned so you’re facing the person you’re talking to. This will show that you’re engaged in what they are saying.
4. Lean slightly forward to appear interested in a conversation and stress what you’re saying.

Heading For Victory
The position of your head, the frequency of your breaths, even yawning are indicators of your level of interest in a conversation. Take care to avoid looking as if you’re bored or disinterested. If you seem to be involved in what others have to say, they will naturally offer the same to you and build mutual respect.

What to do:
1. Tilting your head to one side during a conversation shows you’re interested and thinking about what’s being said.
2. Take regular, even breaths. Heavy breaths are a sure sign that you’re nervous.
3. Be sure to nod your head so the person you’re speaking with knows you’re listening and interested.

Walking In Light
Carrying yourself in a confident manner is key to commanding respect. Give the impression that you’re walking with a purpose so that you’ll be admired by others.

What to do:
1. Walk, don’t run. Take even strides.
2. Look ahead or in front of you, not at the floor when you walk.

Hands Down
Hand gestures are great for getting attention or making a point, but be sure that you’re not creating a distraction. You want attention to be on your eyes and face while speaking, not on what your hands are doing. Command respect and control the interest of the conversation by keeping your hands in check.

What to do:
1. Open, face-up palms signal honesty and straightforwardness.
2. Gesturing with your arms can help you make a point, but don’t do so much that it’s distracting.
3. When you stroke your chin, it shows you’re trying to make a decision. Be sure that you want others to know that’s what you’re doing.
4. Making a steeple out of your hands makes a good impression, as it demonstrates confidence.
5. Shake hands firmly: not too tight or too limp. You don’t want to crush the other person’s hands or come across as unsure of yourself.
6. If the situation calls for paperwork, be sure to keep your papers in order with easy access to avoid looking disorganized.
7. Make sure your palms are clean and dry. Sweaty palms indicate nervousness and are a turn off for most people.
8. If you’re trying to convince someone of your sincerity, touch your open palm to your heart.
9. Rolling up your sleeves signals a casual, get-down-to-work attitude. Roll them up or down according to the situation.
10. Removing your tie, top button, or jacket to indicate you’re getting comfortable in your surroundings.

A Matter of Manners
Practicing common courtesy is a basis for earning respect from others. If you’re rude, people will avoid talking and working with you. Be polite to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward.

What to do:
1. When you need to offer comfort, a one-armed squeeze, gentle hug, or a pat on the shoulder helps, depending on how close you are to the other person.
2. Open doors and allow others to walk before you.
3. Cough and sneeze into your hands or a handkerchief, not into the face of the people around you.

Look At Yourself
Carefully examining the way you present yourself can help you discover areas in which you may need improvement. Carefully groom your mannerisms and outward appearance to make your best impression and command respect.

What to do:
1. Practice your mannerisms in front of a mirror so that you can discover your weak areas.
2. Additionally, try videotaping your actions so you can find out where you’re going wrong.
3. Look at others who command respect and imitate their actions.
4. Look good. You don’t have to be conventionally handsome or beautiful; it’s enough to dress neatly in clothes that suit both you and the occasion.
5. Smell good. Use deodorant and perfume, but go easy on it. You don’t want to overpower the room with your scent.
6. Keep your fingernails clean. Close cropped nails show you’re neat and orderly, but if you prefer to wear them long, make sure they’re groomed neatly.
7. Wear footwear that allows you to walk comfortably to avoid making a fool of yourself.
8. Keep your work area and personal space neat and tidy. Avoid clutter and dust.

InsideCRM.com

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