Last week we looked at outer and visual image. The facts remain clear your appearance matters when it comes to achieving visual success! But do your actions support your outer image? Anyone can be groomed to walk into a room to make a first impression, but it’s the substance behind the performance that will ultimately make a lasting impression. Your inner image is the core and essence of who you are as a person, it is the real you that others cannot see. Are others experiencing your true essence? Closely connected with visual image, “demonstrated image” comprises of your behaviour and etiquette, people and communication skills. Being able to gain rapport with people through effective verbal and non-verbal communication and courteous behaviour will produce successful relationships and prospects. This is your opportunity to shine.
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
— Frank Outlaw
What are your authentic qualities? Reflect for a moment on who you are today? Make a list of words that describe the qualities you would like others to see in you. Think visual, verbal, behaviour and personality when you make your list. Then ask a few trusted friends to list what they see and experience, good and bad. Once you have the two lists select five qualities that you believe are your strongest. Make a decision to celebrate those traits and exude those positive qualities through your demonstrated image. Set goals in the qualities you possess that need work. All of us have traits and flaws we can work on. Think about how you learned these traits? In order to portray your authentic image and gain the respect and confidence you deserve you must know who you are today, who you want to become tomorrow and what you want to contribute to the world. BD IMAGE Services Presents “Enhance Your Beauty, From the Inside Out”, stay tuned for upcoming seminar and workshop dates in a city near you.
The # 1 Rule for Etiquette: “Do unto others as YOU would have others do unto YOU”.
- Put integrity into everything you say and do, always tell the truth and be respectful and courteous to those within your reach.
- Etiquette is about putting the other person at ease, not yourself.
- Acts of courtesy become beacons that cause a person to shine out from the crowd.
- Always be authentic, listen and show interest in the other person
- A warm smile is inviting and is your icebreaker.
- A good handshake and introduction conveys your level of confidence and attitudes.
Do You Sound Confident?
Your voice carries 37% of your image when you are face to face and 80% of your image over the telephone.
What information is your voice sending out about you?
Vocal sound is made up of;
- Tone: The emotion and character of the person behind the voice – Sounds of tears, laughter, joy or sorrow??
- Pitch: High or Low-Those with a low-pitched voice are often perceived to be confident, competent and intelligent.
- Pace: Fast or Slow-A slow pace signals confidence, seriousness, thoughtful conversation and lends importance to personal positioning and words.
- Pause: The break in sound between words, phrases, sentences, or statements-If used correctly pause can add importance and power to words and ideas.
- Volume: Loud or soft-Volume can add interest and command attention.
- Inflection: Emphasis on certain words or at the end of a sentence-You can add clarity and emphasis to your words when needed to create enthusiasm, excitement and gain rapport.
- Accent: Sounds that indicate your nationality or region you come from? People with foreign accents can be difficult to understand at times and this can lead to discomfort, embarrassment, frustrations and confusion on both sides.
- Fluency: Are your words audible and understandable or do you mumble? Many times the person with the problem is the last to know. If people are continually saying, “I didn’t catch that, it could indicate a problem.
(Ann Reinten;” The Polished Professional,” The Australian Image Company)
Check out this free e-book to perfect assist you in perfecting your verbal communication skills;
http://www.dalecarnegie.com/golden_book.jsp?keycode=google06&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=G_Communications
Did you know that others can tell whether you’re smiling or not when talking on the phone? Next time your speaking to someone on the phone visualize them being in-front of you. Your tone and inflection can be used to make them smile.
I came across this great blog and want to share this last note with you today. Love this!!
Is smiling, good for self-confidence?
Making an effort to smile isn’t difficult. What is slightly harder is changing your everyday habit so that a smile becomes your default setting.
http://confident1.com/is-smiling-good-for-you
We all know smiling is good for the soul. Take Mother Theresa’s advice and smile more often. Your demonstrated image will radiate with beauty, integrity and confidence.
“Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person a beautiful thing.” — Mother Teresa
Featured Contributor: Amanda Willett
Amanda Willett believes that all women are uniquely beautiful. As the founder and CEO of BD IMAGE Services, Amanda aims to teach women how to accept, embrace and present their matchless beauty to the world. She believes creating a presence, leaving a lasting impression always, will set the stage for success.
Amanda believes we all have a vision of the woman we would like to become and her goal is to inspire you to make that vision a reality. With a desire to redefine the meaning of beauty, Amanda teaches women how to reveal their inner diva. Her workshops propel women to uncover and express their authentic selves, giving them the confidence to put their best self forward. As an image professional, Amanda provides services for individuals and corporations through coaching, personalized consultations, presentations, seminars and workshops. www.bdimageservices.com
