An Even BIGGER Presence

Well here it is. A complete list of things you can do that will make you stand out, project confidence, and make others wonder who you are. For those of you who haven’t yet, read my post “Be a Presence in Any Room” and you’ll benefit more from what you are about to read. We covered looks and voice in part one so now it’s on to body language and this time I’ve decided to do something a little different. You may want to save this page or print it out so that you can reference the list quicker. Let’s get to it.

Walking into a Room

 A few years back I was waiting in line at the DMV when a man walked into the room. He was about 6’3” and probably in his late 30’s or early 40’s. I couldn’t help noticing that everyone else in line noticed him walking into the room also. I heard someone whisper “I think he is on channel 9.” Sure enough, he was an anchorman from a local TV station. He stood there in line for about 10 minutes and then walked out. But before he left he engaged in a short conversation with the person that was next to him. I’m sure that person was impressed with the conversation they shared. I was more impressed with the way he walked in the room. Here are some things that you can do to increase your attention getting skills.

-Head should be up and shoulders back

-Acknowledge and greet the first person you come across

-If you are entering a room where you do not know anyone, take a moment and stand at or near the doorway.

-Be ready to smile and converse with any and everybody

Homework: Men- watch how Brad Pitt and George Clooney enter a room in Oceans 11, 12 or 13

Women- watch Angelina Jolie in Mr. and Mrs. Smith

The Eyes

It is much easier to fake emotions with the lower part of the face than it is with the upper part. People smile all the time when they are not happy but the eyes, eyebrows and forehead usually tell more than the mouth does. When you are looking or talking to someone your brain is picking up non-verbal cues which are subconsciously telling you all about that person. That means that other people’s subconscious is telling them all they need to know about you too. Here are some ways to effectively use your eyes.

-Eye contact should be at least 2-3 seconds before you shift attention

-Your stare should be direct and not shifting constantly away

-Avoid looking down for a long period of time

Homework: Men Watch Denzel Washington in just about anything

Women Watch Julia Roberts in just about anything

Standing While Talking

Since this involves your arms, legs, posture, and head, the way you stand tells others what your confidence level is and what mood you are currently feeling. This is also one of the best times to project your confidence in a room or in front of an audience. If you are conversing with a group of people then your body language while you are talking will let everyone know how confident you are.

-Stance should reflect the image you want to project.

-No fiddling with clothes

-No swiveling your head constantly

-No rocking back and forth

To project a powerful, confident presence

-Stand with your shoulders squared and back

-Face the room or audience directly

-Gestures should accompany what you are saying not overshadow it.

Homework: Men- watch Robert De Niro

Women- Grace Kelly, Hally Berry, or Nicole Kidman 

Side note- Find the Light

Wherever you go be very mindful of where you gravitate. Some people may walk into a room of strangers, lap around the room one time, and then find the nearest corner to nest in. You want your presence to be felt. Begin to identify the places in the room where your presence can easily be felt and seen. In other words gravitate towards the light. Walls, corners, and shadows are dead zones. You must minimize or eliminate your self-consciousness in order to fully project your presence. If you are comfortable in your own skin then that comfort will be seen and felt by those around you.

Part 3 coming soon

                              Related Post                              

Build Confidence in Anything

Be a Presence in Any Room

Be THE Presence in Any Room (series pt 3)

Learn From the 8 Most Confident Actors in Film History

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