Focus on these areas
and you’ll increase self-awareness:
Gait:
Take notice to the way you walk (If you can catch
glimpses of yourself in storefronts or mirrors that will help.)
Walk tall and avoid leading with your head, shoulders,
hips, or feet. Instead, lead with your upper torso or walk
with no lead at all. Remember that a slow to medium gait
implies control; however, a feminine wiggle or a masculine
swagger can be counterproductive in professional settings.
Stance:
Many of us tend to slouch, but self-awareness will remind
you to stand tall with your shoulders back and down and
with your feel hip-distance apart. To appear open and
approachable, avoid closing off your torso with your arms.
Eye Contact:
Depending upon the situation, you want to hold eye
contact the majority of the time (culture dependent). Eye
contact can be uncomfortable if you are not used to it,
however, it is an essential component in most countries.
Gaze while speaking is more important than while
listening as it will have the biggest impact on your ability
to persuade. Gaze has a powerful influence on other
people’s willingness to comply with a request.
Smile:
Practice your smile in a mirror to avoid coming across as
inauthentic. Take notice of your natural, social smile in
a mirror and to how it feels. Your cheeks should rise and
your lips should part slightly. Smiling not only demonstrates
confidence, it shows openness, warmth, and energy.
Handshake:
The handshake is typically the first
contact you share with another. Be aware of what your
handshake says about your intentions. If your hand is on
top, you’re taking a dominant position. If your handshake
is weak, you appear insecure and apprehensive. We all
have a handshake style – take notice of yours and keep in
mind how modifications change its message.
Voice:
How does your voice sound when you’re annoyed? How
about when you’re overjoyed or disheartened? Take
multiple opportunities to record yourself. Note the auditory
qualities (volume, tempo, pitch, etc.) that accompany
each emotion.
ELUCID MAGAZINE SUMMER 2013
57