Make a Good First Impression

 

HOW TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

by J.A. Gamache Third place Champion at the 2001 Toastmasters

International World Championship of Public Speaking

Your walk, posture and facial expressions convey non-verbal

messages about your state of mind. Decide to send the right

messages so you can make a good first impression whenever you

speak in public.

As you walk to the podium, the audience receives many

non-verbal cues before you’ve even said a word. Their first

impression of you is based on that information.

First impressions are important because the audience won’t

find your message credible unless they feel that you’re in

control. If you don’t project self-confidence, they will find

it hard to trust you. Unwittingly, you might be raising

doubts in their minds.

Is it a disaster to fail at making a good first impression?

No. You’ll always be able to catch up. However, you’ll have

to work harder to reassure the audience that in spite of

appearances, you are a trustworthy source of information.

Here are some tips on how to make an entrance that conveys

the impression that you’re in control.

1- WALK

Look at self-confident people–they have a strong, rapid

stride. Decide to send the same message. When your name is

announced, walk as though you’re saying, “I am confident,”

even though you feel like running away!

2- POSTURE

Stand straight and adopt a solid stance. Open your torso to

ease your breathing. This posture sends the message that

you’re calm even though you’re shaking with fear!

3- FACIAL EXPRESSION

Put a smile on your face! When you walk to the podium, hold

your head high. Before you speak, take a deep breath. It’ll

calm you down. Don’t speak right away! Take time to look at

the audience. This silent pause sends the message, “I am

happy to be here!” even though you may be wondering what on

earth you’ve gotten yourself into.

Practice your entrance at home. Pay attention to the way you

walk, your posture, and your facial expressions, and you’ll

make a good first impression every time.

Happy speech!

©MMIX J.A. Gamache www.jagamache.com. All rights reserved.

——————————–

PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO REPRODUCE THIS ARTICLE in whole or

in part if a copy of the reproduced text is sent to J.A.

Gamache at info@jagamache.com after publication and also

provided that this byline, including the following paragraph,

appears along with the reproduced text:

This article was reproduced from “Speaking in Public with

J.A.”, a FREE electronic magazine authored by J.A. Gamache,

International Inspirational Speaker. To subscribe to his FREE

e-zine or to find out more about his presentations, visit:

http://www.jagamache.com/.

I hope you enjoyed this tip

Fran Watson

P.S.  Have a great day and check out this site

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