Capable, competent, compelling, charismatic, persuasive.
Have you ever noticed how some people can walk into a room, and have immediate credibility, and you instinctively have confidence that they can get the job done, whatever that job may be. While others, even though they might be quite knowledgeable and competent just don't generate that same level of confidence?
Interpretation of body language and facial recognition is hard wired in all of us, and studies have shown that it only takes 2 seconds to analyze and judge a person. Think about that, only 2 seconds.
Don't despair. It is possible to control how you are perceived. You can alter the way people think of you and become person that people will turn to just by being aware and managing the image you project.
In honor of #internationalwomensday, I thought I'd share some of the small adjustments that we can make to our behaviors, that I learned from Cara Alter, author of the "Credibility Code" at an event she was presenting at. These small adjustments, if practiced daily, can become a habit and will influence how you are perceived.
The three basic pillars: Posture, Voice, Eye Contact
Strong posture. The way you carry yourself sends a subliminal message.
Keep your weight centered, and your feet hip width apartKeep a level head to project confidence (a lowered head comes across as "shy" and a raised head "arrogant")Own your space - hand gestures are universal, so reach out using a motion as if you are giving your words away - this is even more important to do if you are feeling shy or intimidatedSitting, keep your back against the chair, no slouching, and when you listen, lean back as if you were "catching" the message, when you speak move forward to claim the space - your body should reflect interest and confidence.
Strong Voice. The stronger the volume, the more confident you come across.
In a range of 1-5, with 1 being barely audible, and 5 being "in your face" loud, you want to speak at something about a level 4, just above an average voiceArticulate your words clearly to sound smartPace yourself, the slower you speak, the more comfortable and confident you come across, as you have the authority to take up people's timeAlways end your sentences on a downward inflection (unless you are really trying to ask a question), many people will have an upward inflection when they are trying to be friendly or collaborative.
Strong Eye Contact. Eye contact is the biggest indicator of trustworthiness.
When you speak to an audience, you should spend 3-5 seconds in eye contact per person, and when you change thoughts, look at someone differentWhen you look at someone, make the effort to really "see them"Keep eye contact when you are listening to someone else talk, it lowers your status if you look awayKeep your eyes in line with your nose (think "straightforward"), when talking to people, your head should move as if it were on a tripod
If you make a commitment to make a small adjustment every day in your posture, voice, and eye contact, you can change the way you are perceived and increase the confidence that people have in you.
コメント