Within the first six seconds of meeting you and shaking your hand, the average person has already formed an opinion about you. Similarly, when you begin speak, let’s say in a group for example, your audience takes that six seconds to size you up and develop their first impressions. Often, before you even speak your first word, the audience has already made up their minds about you.
Since your nonverbal communication (your face and body signals) are so important to making a first impression, here are three ways to show you mean business without saying a word.
I. Stand like Wonder Woman
Ever notice how often Bey stands with her hands on her hips and feet are usually always shoulder width? We don’t think it is by accident. Here’s why: Research shows that standing tall with your chest out and hands on your hips can make you feel bolder. In fact, in a Ted Talk social psychologist Amy Cuddy noted that holding this pose for just two minutes can boost your levels of testosterone and lower your levels cortisol, and that these hormonal change can configure your brain to be assertive, confident, and comfortable.
MUST READ: Why Your Man Is “In His Feelings” – What He Really Wants
It’s like saying “Boom, here I am” without saying it.
II. Hands Up Or To The Side
Your hands should never be in front of your clasped together. The puts you in a subservient position. And oftentimes it involves wringing your hands together in nervousness. It’s okay to be nervous sometimes, but that particular movement takes the focus off of you, what you’re trying to say and/or convey because the audience is busy looking at the distracting repeated motions.
For people who store their belongings in pockets, DON’T. Well, try to store as little as possible. With keys and loose change in a pocket, moving around can cause you to jingle and jangle; the noise is annoying and makes the audience lose focus on your message. This becomes an even louder problem if you store your hands in you pockets and play with the loud items yourself. A quick suggestion: Take everything out of your pockets before your…
… big meeting, an introduction to someone important or your presentation.
III. Lean In
Don’t listen to the Fat Joe song “Lean Back” this time. When it comes to really exerting your power with your stance, leaning in at certain key points in the conversation let the audience know you are paying attention and that you are making a point to them. Even in a one-on-one conversation, leaning in when someone is making a point is great as well as when you are making a point. Just be sure not to slouch. Slouching is synonymous with laziness and a “don’t-care” attitude. That’s not what you want to communicate.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
