Quotes by Speakers - Page 18

Mirroring is especially helpful when our differences may divide. Think of the times when you have made a diligent effort to speak in another person’s native language to communicate and connect with comfort. By doing this, you are extending a considerate courtesy to meet them where they are, thus removing barriers and improving engagement.
Susan C.Young
Coordinating your gestures with someone’s subtle behaviors, can help you gain understanding, realize comfortable compatibility, and develop mutual trust.
Susan C.Young
Why Does Mirroring Work? Scientific research suggests ‘mirroring’ techniques works because of the mirror-neurons which are fired in our brains when we both perceive and take action. When we observe someone doing something, we may feel as if we are having the same experience.
Susan C.Young
When you see someone smile, does it naturally make you want to smile back? When you are irritable, do you find that people mirror your irritability? When someone yawns around you, do automatically do the same? When you hear someone celebrating, do you feel inclined to join in and celebrate too? Your responses are not forced, but instinctual and empathetic.
Susan C.Young
Mirroring provides social cues through body language and behavior which enable us to develop more empathy and understanding for others.
Susan C.Young
Who are we the most comfortable with? People who are the most like us! The “Similarity-Attraction Hypothesis” (Newcomb, 1956) found that similar (real or perceived) personalities are a major determinant of our likability and friendship choices. It is simply human to gravitate toward people like us. This tribal inclination runs the gamut across demographics of age, ethnicity, culture, education, religion, and even personality style. Mirroring will enable you to find ways to create the comfort of familiarity through similarity.
Susan C.Young
Since we know people like to do business with people who are most like themselves, consider this: Excellent sales people understand that "matching and mirroring" another person’s body language is a powerful technique and subliminal way to develop trust, build rapport, and make their clients more comfortable and engaging. Subtly mirroring the postures, gestures, and body language of your client inspires a kinship of commonality.
Susan C.Young
Early in my sales career, various sales trainers taught our teams how to use matching and mirroring to build rapport and earn trust with our clients. When done well, it would inevitably help us improve customer service and closing ratios. It was not encouraged as a deceptive sales practice to manipulate, but rather a subtle way to make a great first impression and connect on a meaningful level.
Susan C.Young
By mirroring, speaking, and moving in tandem with my clients, I provided them with a sense of familiar comfort and ease which helped us work well together. When they leaned forward, I would lean forward. When they crossed their arms, I would cross my arms. When they began speaking slowly and quietly, I would do the same. These subtle actions help to us to communicate more effectively.
Susan C.Young
Becoming aware of what you are doing and how others perceive you will provide you with instant insight for making changes where necessary.
Susan C.Young
Whatever you are putting out into the universe is going to be returned unto you and have a direct correlation to what you are getting back. In many ways, you are a magnet and manifest accordingly.
Susan C.Young
Think of your personal and professional life—are you attracting what you want? Are you attracting the kind of people you like? Do you feel that life is working for you or against you? How have others been treating you? Are you pleased with your results?
Susan C.Young
7 Ways to Improve Eye Contact at any Time1.tRelax into the moment by smiling.2.tPractice making eye contact with people you trust, so that when you are with strangers, it is easier to form a connection.3.tWhen you feel uncomfortable, begin by looking at their mouth or forehead.4.tLean in and show that you are interested and attentive.5.tPut a little space between you and the other person.6.tRemember that the other person may be feeling just as awkward.7.tDon’t give them a blank stare throughout a conversation. Rather, practice gazing down or to the side every few moments so that you appear relaxed.
Susan C.Young
Have you heard that a smile is the shortest distance between people? I love that! There is nothing like a genuine smile to create a first impression with positive impact.
Susan C.Young
A genuine smile is inviting, contagious, encouraging, and brings joy into the world. It instantly tells others that you are glad to see them, that they are important and you are approachable.
Susan C.Young
Accompanied with good eye contact, a smile serves as an immediate icebreaker to warm up relations and turn a stranger into a friend.
Susan C.Young
You can transform your entire physical appearance, personal experience, energy, and social success simply by smiling. And it is also good to do just for you!
Susan C.Young
Smiling is truly one of the most generous gifts you can give to another. You never know when your smile may inspire the sad, encourage the hopeless, heal a heart, or change someone's world for the better.
Susan C.Young
You would be surprised how even the simplest of smiles can ease a social situation, encourage another, remove barriers, and dissolve differences. It is not only a gift to the recipient, but you will receive affirming returns on your investment.
Susan C.Young
Smiling reduces blood pressure by lowering the stress-inducing hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. As my mother, who is now in her eighties, navigates the challenges of aging, her mantra has become, “Keep moving and keep smiling.” She has observed the rapid decline of her friends who haven’t. She is striving to stay strong, happy, and vital; her desire to smile is helping her to live a healthier, more satisfying, and longer life.
Susan C.Young
Research has shown that smiling releases endorphins—the happy hormones that shift your physiology for improved well-being. When you smile and your eyes crinkle, your body releases chemicals that change the chemistry of your brain, lifting spirits, and reducing pain. Even when it is hard to smile and you are forcing it, positive changes take place in your physiology.
Susan C.Young
Your smile draws people to you as it simultaneously brings out the best in you both.
Susan C.Young
Your smile is a kind hello and a sincere invitation that opens the gateway to engage others and begin conversations.
Susan C.Young
Your smile is a magnet for goodwill and positivity. In unison with your attitude, people gravitate to happy people!
Susan C.Young
As the saying goes, "Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.” Smiling is a universal symbol of happiness that transcends language and communication challenges.
Susan C.Young
A smile is one of the most powerful and important body language cues we share with others—and as such a heartfelt emotion, it's impossible to express its effect on others in words.
Susan C.Young
A genuine smile is your best fashion accessory and the most important thing you can wear.
Susan C.Young
No matter your age, a smile makes you look and feel better. People spend billions of dollars every year to get pumped, pulled, tucked, and tweaked in hopes of being more beautiful. But there is nothing like a genuine smile to transform your appearance and provide an instant facelift.
Susan C.Young
A friend recently shared that even if he is in a rough mood, when someone smiles at him it enhances his kindness and encourages him to project a better attitude.
Susan C.Young
I attended a symposium to hear Shilagh Mirgain, Ph.D. speak on Mindful Leadership. Throughout her program, I made sure to make eye contact and smile to support, affirm, and engage with her presentation. When audience members do this for me, it adds an extra punch of dynamic energy that enriches my presentations and improves my performance.
Susan C.Young
One of the speaking programs I deliver is entitled, "Service with a Smile . . . How to Create a Sensational Customer Experience." Smiling is at the heart of my teaching because when employees smile while delivering service, it tells the guest/client/customer . . . You matter.You are important.We are glad you are here.We appreciate your business.
Susan C.Young
When you see people smiling, does it give you a sense of connection with them? The law of reciprocity illustrates it is hard to not smile back when someone smiles at you.
Susan C.Young
Poise: a graceful and elegant bearing in person; a composure of dignity and manner.Postures: the position of a person’s body when standing, sitting, or walking; carriage, bearing, and stance.Gestures: moving parts of your body to express an idea, opinion, emotion, or meaning.“Poise confirms purpose. Postures portray personality. Gestures express emotions. Your poise, postures, and gestures make a powerful statement about who you are and how you feel about yourself. This dynamic trio speaks volumes about you.
Susan C.Young
How do you enter a room? How do you walk into a job interview? How do you approach a sales prospect for the first time? Accomplished leaders know that the way they make an entrance can project their confidence and set the tone for their interaction with others. Use your poise, postures, and gestures to make it grand.
Susan C.Young
Your poise, postures, and gestures are the physical manifestations of your attitudes, perceptions, belief systems, self-esteem, feelings, and engagement. Be sure to know if they are working well or hindering the actualization of your potential. Being the architect for your habitual patterns of non-verbal language, you have the power to change any of it at any time.
Susan C.Young
ASK YOURSELF: Do you appear self-confident or unsure? Do you project a calm demeanor or scream instability? Do you come across as a leader or try to stay invisible? Do you walk with purpose and intention or doubt and trepidation? Do you look vibrant and energetic, or stressed out and overwhelmed?
Susan C.Young
Since non-verbal signals have five times the impact of verbal signals, paying attention to the image you are projecting is crucial to your first impressions.
Susan C.Young
It has been said that poise is our highest state of consciousness. It reflects your presence, composure, balance, gratitude, discretion, and self-respect. Whether a man or a woman, a poised person carries within themselves an elegant air of dignity and grace. Their personal brand is polished and purposeful.
Susan C.Young
Poised Positioning•tBe mindful of how you use your body to communicate.•tBe fully present in the moment.•tBe thoughtful and gracious in your actions.•tBe fluid and elegant in your movements.•tExpress flow—walk in freedom and spontaneity.•tDevelop an unshakeable sense of authentic inner confidence and certainty.•tDevelop a deep respect for others.•tMove slower and more deliberately.•tWalk in integrity, class, and modesty.•tSmile kindly and laugh softly.•tBecome a student of manners and etiquette.
Susan C.Young
In years gone by, particularly in the East and the South, ladies would attend charm school to learn how to elegantly stand, sit, dance, and walk. Even today, there are "Cotillion" classes for young people to learn how to carry themselves with dignity and use proper social graces. I don't mind sounding old-fashioned because these culturally rich rituals lay a firm foundation for the appropriate behaviors and excellent manners necessary for a positive impression. Embracing a tried and true tradition can sometimes be beneficial. Let's avoid the awkward, embarrassing, and unsophisticated ways we see all too often.
Susan C.Young
9 Reasons Why Improving Your Posture is ImportantBy projecting strength and excellence in your physical presence, you will. . . 1.tLook better and feel better.2.tAppear, and be, more fit and healthy.3.tPowerfully influence your mindset.4.tAppear more confident, self-assured, and competent.5.tCarry yourself with more purpose and intention.6.tBreathe deeper and get more oxygen in your body, which will improve your energy and health.7.tReduce or prevent back pain and muscle tension.8.tImprove productivity by energizing your physiology.9.tMake a significantly more positive impression.
Susan C.Young
Proper posture conveys that you are ready to take command and master new situations. When you project this level of confidence, you will instill confidence in others.
Susan C.Young
12 Ways to Improve & Project Confident Posture1.tGo people watching. Note how you interpret the different postures you observe. This will expand your awareness of how posture impacts first impressions and will help you become more aware of yours.2.tStand in front of a mirror to see what other people are seeing. Are your shoulders level? Are your hips level? Do you appear aligned? Are you projecting confidence or timidity?3.tTake posture pictures to provide you with points of reference and a baseline over time. Look at past photos of yourself.4.tStand with your back against a wall and align your spine.5.tEvenly balance on both feet, spaced hip-width apart.6.tTake yoga or Pilates classes to strengthen your core muscles, improve flexibility, and balance, all which support your posture.7.tConsciously pull your shoulders back, stand erect with chin held high.8.tPractice tucking in your stomach, pulling your shoulders back, raising your chin, and looking straight ahead.9.tSit up straight without being rigid.10.tEnter a room like you belong there or own it.11.tStand with an open stance to be welcoming and approachable.12.tAngle your body towards the person to whom you are speaking. Angling your body away may signify that you are indifferent, fearful, putting up a barrier, or trying to get away from them.
Susan C.Young
The next time you have a high-stakes meeting, a presentation, or an important social engagement, practice power posing beforehand to potently and powerfully impact your confidence.
Susan C.Young
Poor Posture Promotes . . . In addition to sabotaging people’s perceptions and impressions of you, poor posture can cause uncomfortable health issues:•tFatigue•tDiscomfort•tNeck and back pain•tMuscle imbalance•tHeadaches and body aches•tStructural changes to your body
Susan C.Young
Being culturally aware and respectful of others’ cultures will help you to keep the habit of making eye contact in context. As a matter of fact, in some parts of the world making eye contact can be construed as being exactly the opposite of what I am sharing in these pages. Making a great first impression is always about the specific environment and circumstance, isn’t it?
Susan C.Young
As we explore this valuable non-verbal language, please note that these principles do not apply in many cultures around the world. In some cultures, direct eye contact may offend, affront, violate, or threaten.
Susan C.Young
We've all been in the middle of a conversation and the person with whom we are speaking breaks eye contact, appears distracted, glazes over, or looks elsewhere. Their simple eye movement can quickly break down communications by making us feel ignored, dismissed, or rejected. For some, it may be accidental and unintentional, while for others, avoiding eye contact is on purpose.
Susan C.Young
12 Reasons Why People Avoid Eye Contact1.tThey do not want to reveal their feelings.2.tThey are not being honest and truthful.3.tIt makes them feel vulnerable and exposed.4.tThey are being rude or indifferent.5.tThey are ashamed or embarrassed to talk about something.6.tThey are nervous or lacking confidence.7.tIt makes them feel very uncomfortable.8.tThey are arrogant, snobby, and pretentious.9.tThey are afraid of saying the wrong thing or looking stupid.10.tThey are shy or introverted.11.tThey are accessing internal thoughts or emotions to process and contemplate information.12.tOr as mentioned before, and important to remember, it may simply be a cultural value or behavior.
Susan C.Young
There are times when eye contact can move to the dark side and become creepy, hostile, rude, or condescending. When it is overused or made for the wrong reasons, eye contact can make others feel uncomfortable and leave a terrible impression . . . •tobsessive staring•tmocking•ttoo much intensity •tinappropriate focus•taverting eyes•tobvious contempt •tgawking, ogling •tcasting the "evil eye"•tover-watching•tintimidating•tunwelcome looks•trolling the eyes
Susan C.Young
As with most things in life, a healthy balance will keep us on the right path. To avoid too much eye contact or too little, seek to create a comfortable mix. It is generally encouraged to use more eye contact when you are listening and less when you are speaking.
Susan C.Young
When speakers make eye contact with an audience, they will be perceived as being more prepared, more competent, confident, and trustworthy. Eye contact helps to relax the speaker and reminds them that their audience is made up of separate individuals who perceive things differently. Audience response is clearly seen in the expressions of their eyes.
Susan C.Young
Your handshake has the power to reveal your strength of character, make a promise, demonstrate your level of respect, exercise your etiquette, and represent your business acumen. Learning how to do it well will take you far in life and in business.
Susan C.Young
A strong handshake conveys confidence, clarity, strength, and intention. As with everything else in life, if it is overzealous, it may be seen as aggressive, arrogant, or dominating. A bone-crushing vice-grip is just plain obnoxious and one of the fastest ways to make someone angry.
Susan C.Young
What does a solid, comfortable, impressive handshake look and feel like? To deliver a great handshake . . . •tExtend your right hand out vertically at a comfortable waist level toward the person you are meeting.•tConnect hands with web to web contact made between the thumb and index finger. •tBe intentional and appropriate by showing mutual respect and teamwork.•tGently squeeze firmly enough to be confident, yet lightly enough to be gracious. Shake a few times for good measure.•tDiscreetly rotate your wrist so that your hand is slightly on top of theirs when you want to subconsciously convey self-assurance.•tMake eye contact and smile to show sincerity. Throw in an acknowledging head nod for good measure. Avoiding eye contact may be interpreted that you are not attentive or have something to hide.•tIntroduce yourself and when they share their name, repeat it back to them to help you remember it. “It is nice to meet you John.”•tWhen in doubt, mirror their handshake to adapt to what makes them feel comfortable. Customize accordingly to the gender, age, position, personality, and culture of the person you are meeting.
Susan C.Young
Have you decided to simply smile and nod to avoid a confrontation with someone who was being a jerk? Have you ever feigned agreement with your face to get along with others, even when you disagreed with their position? We all have. Your expressions of emotion can protect you at times in awkward situations, and when used with integrity. Test the waters by responding with an expression of curiosity or bewilderment when someone is acting inappropriately.
Susan C.Young
While smiling is a powerful facial gesture, there are other expressions on your face which reveal an extraordinary number of emotions. A body language of its own, people will read your facial messages and form opinions about you before you’ve even said a word.
Susan C.Young
Smiling is one of your most powerful non-verbal behaviors. People do read a book by its cover and these expressions provide glimpses into what they will find inside.
Susan C.Young
What are you projecting? How are you showing up? Are you aware of how your expressions are impacting your communication with others?
Susan C.Young
At any moment, you can use your face to open doors of opportunity if it demonstrates interest, enthusiasm, respect, understanding, delight, agreement, and more.
Susan C.Young