Your body sends a powerful message about your intentions. Here are a few gestures that you can use to make the right kind of first impression.
1. SMILE-is the quickest way to put someone at ease. You can spot a happy smile from a football field away. When you smile, people smile back and that instantly puts them at ease and makes everyone feels better. Practice smiling every day! You'll be surprised at the results.
2. Take Command- when you need people to notice what you are saying, stand up. Perch yourself up if you are sitting down. Don't slouch!
3. Hit Your Mark- punctuate your most important point, raise your eyebrows.
4. Cross It Off-it you are faced with a tricky problem try folding your arms. Studies have shown that crossing your arms helps you find a solution to a problem.
5. Stand Up-if you need extra confidence stand up with your legs apart and your hands on your hips. Hold that pose for 2 minutes. You will feel more important.
6. Watch Your Feet-if you want to learn the truth look at someone's feet. If someone else's feet are pointing away, then they are done with your conversation.
7. Shoulder It-shoulders are very expressive.
8. Hand Gestures-reveal a great deal. If you touch your heart, it means that you are so grateful. If a person uses their hands a lot when they talk, that means they are trying to really express themselves.
(Read Janine Driver's book: "You Say More Than You Think")
