How to Project Confidence
Ever wonder why some people could work a room with confidence and flair while others appeared awkward? Or perhaps this is you.
It’s all about knowing how to combine and utilize seven essential components.
These components all work together as a team and serve as your foundation. If you miss one step, you will continue to feel that something’s missing or wonder why your efforts aren’t working.
Master all seven steps; your confidence level will soar, and success will follow.
Step One: Approach with Presence
First impressions are all about perception!
Your attire sends the most vital first-impression message, followed by your body language. Therefore, dress and posture yourself appropriately for the occasion. It is essential to meet the visual expectations.
If you are used to a casual or formal business environment, this might require some research. You do not want to underdress and send a message that the meeting or event is not worth your effort. Nor do you want to overdress and make others uncomfortable because you appear too formal.
Both casual and formal situations have guidelines that are wise to follow. This step takes the guesswork out of the what to wear dilemma, offers confidence tips on posture, and sends us all the intended body language message.
Step Two: Initiating and Responding to Introductions
There are many variables in the greeting and introduction process. Each begins with knowing when to be formal and when to be informal (or casual) with names and titles. This is not easy in a society that often functions on a first-name basis, and titles often fall by the wayside. However, it is critical to make the right choices when building international and corporate relationships where the expectation is formal.
Rank-based introductions require more time and thought. Greeting people correctly is a learned skill.
Step Three: Mastering the Name Exchange
Do you occasionally experience blank name moments? They can be so embarrassing! It happens to us all. Distractions can make focusing difficult, and we are challenged with unfamiliar (cultural) names.
Have you ever avoided someone because the pronunciation of their name challenged you or mumbled a person’s name in an introduction because you were unsure? Perhaps you are one who often feels avoided. We have all experienced these situations at one time or another. But that does not make it right or acceptable. Preventing a person’s name is insulting and can create a misunderstanding!
What is the answer? Learn techniques that help you to remember and pronounce names accurately. When unsure, ask if you pronounced their name correctly. If not, repeat correctly! Getting the name right regarding hyphenated names, double names, accents, and non-Western names is also very important.
Step Four: Handshake Messaging
The traditional (web-to-web) handshake is the business handshake! The handshake is an essential part of the greeting and comes in different forms. For example, are you shaking hands, bumping knuckles, air-kissing, hugging, high-fiving, or participating in some greeting ritual? And, as accepting as the hug greeting has become, for some, it feels intrusive.
During the coronavirus pandemic, handshakes have given way to fist bumps and elbow taps to avoid spreading the COVID-19 virus. As the pandemic subsides, a return to a tried-and-true (web-to-web) handshake is the professional approach and is not invasive or awkward when initiated correctly. Historically and internationally, it’s the contract! Plus, it serves as the barometer of the greeting. The message is in the feeling the grip delivers!
Step Five: Cultivating Conversation Skills
Small talk strengthens conversation by eliminating barriers at the onset. This takes time, practice, and sensitivity. Our backgrounds, interests, and personalities are unique—it’s your DNA! However, crossing age, education, experience, and cultural barriers can create awkward conversation moments. Furthermore, electronic devices have become a crutch to avert conversation.
Conversation (verbal and written) must happen and is vital to successful interactions. Engage in a rewarding conversation instead of one that you want to avoid. It’s your choice. Discover conversation avenues (techniques) you can utilize and how to avoid common roadblocks.
Step Six: Business Card Development and Exchange
The physical business card is still strongly recommended in a technical world where contact information is shared digitally. It is tangible and can be filed for future reference.
Your business card should be skillfully designed, user-friendly, and properly presented. It is the part of you that you leave behind to remind you of your interaction and serve as your follow-up tool. Virtual cards (or your signature card) also play an essential role. You need BOTH!
Step Seven: Memorable Departures and Effective Follow-ups
First impressions lead to lasting impressions! Make a memorable departure and create a follow-up action guide. Too often, this step gets lost or ignored. If you do not follow up, the time spent (and the ROI) will be lost.
The first six steps contributed to an impressive first impression. Now it’s time for a memorable lasting impression. This encompasses utilizing segments of the above steps in your exit or closing: Posture confidence with sincere eye contact, repeat their name, shake hands, reference the business card, and ask for their preferred follow-up method (email, phone, IM, etc.), and suggest a reconnect arrangement (in person or online).
The Art of Professional Connections: Seven Steps to Impressive Greetings and Confident Interactions offers proven strategies that serve as your foundation for every type of interaction. It is the first step toward one of many successful business relationships.
Confidence and engaging first impressions open the door to every interaction moving forward.
Lasting impressions keep the relationship intact.
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