JETNETTING: The First Impression Factor: XVI - Use Your POSTURE

JetNetting with Heshie Segal

Do you remember when your mother told you to stand up straight? OK, if you really slouched, it may also have been a litany of others. If they nagged . . . and you rebelled. . . by this time, you are either hunched over or you have severe neck and back pains. If you don’t respect yourself enough to stand proud, how can you expect others to respect you? This is no laughing matter – it concerns your health and/or your business.

When you meet someone for the first time, how you stand, sit, walk, carry your body or hold your head, determines the first impression you make. Think about it. YOU meet someone for the first time, especially in business, and that person holds his or her head down with shoulders drooped or is slouched over a chair . . . you get the picture; what do you think of that person? Are you ready to do business? Chances are the answer is “no”.

You want and need that first impression to be positive; the potential of doing business depends on it! Stop slouching, hold your head up high (although not so high as to have you appear superior), walk (or sit) with confidence and ease. People are open to doing business with those who posture themselves with confidence . . . physically and emotionally. Knowing, liking and trusting then has a chance to develop.

What does my posture say about me?

Posture may vary with the time, circumstance and size of a group and, in nearly all cases, posture is an indication of how you perceive yourself.

When you stand up straight with shoulders back, head held high, and walk with ease, you:

• Are seen as successful and confident, with high self-esteem.

• Will be taken for a person with poise and good upbringing.
  

• Will be respected.

• Show you have power, energy and stature.

• Are seen as someone who can easily deal with whatever occurs.

• Exhibit a general state of well-being.

When you slouch with your shoulders stooped or drooping, your chin and head slanting downward, you appear to:

• Have low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. (The exception to this would be someone who has a physical challenge.)

• Lack power, in a state of defeat, sadness.
  

• Be insecure, ill at ease.

• Lack energy, tired or depressed.

• Let everything get to you.

• Be depressed

A constantly lowered head indicates submission, shame, sorrow, bashfulness and low energy.

A jaw tucked into the neck shows a lack of confidence and the appearance of not being able to speak for oneself or a possible constant state of sadness.

When the neck protrudes on a regular basis, it can either project obstinacy or determination or even anxiety, a fear of being attacked, physically or emotionally (anxiety is a fear of what might occur).

Good posture is not about standing at attention or having a rigid upper body – the latter projects arrogance or inflexibility. Stand tall, not stiff and be tall without stretching.

Good posture is about carrying yourself so you are perceived as confident; that you radiate energy, drawing others to you. In general, good posture can be achieved in the following manner:

Sit straight, (imagine that a string is holding your head up high) chin high, shoulders back and down, both feet on the floor, lean in slightly, don’t slouch or have your hands clasped behind your head.

When standing, have both feet evenly on the ground and hands at your side rather than on your hips. The latter stances may appear to show arrogance or superiority and even disapproval and crossing you feet or legs makes you look unbalanced and timid.

What does my “walk” or “gait” tell people about who I am?

When you walk, no matter where it is, walk with intent and authority. With every step, your body portrays your attitude. What you may not realize is that an outsider will sense your mood, emotions and attitude because the body projects this as an unconscious indicator. Because of this, it is extremely important for you to be cognizant of how you move. When you get up from your seat, do it deliberately and walk in the same manner . . . always with confidence and with purpose.

Does the pace of my walk count? Yes, definitely. People who are happy often walk with a quick, light step. These fast-paced people are seen as energized, flexible, ready to get to the next place to achieve their objectives. Fast-paced people are seen as getting more done in a relatively short period of time. People who walk slowly and take in the sights are generally seen as more laid back, less likely to act quickly and decisively. A strong correlation exists between mood and pace. Unhappy, depressed, dejected people seem to walk more slowly. They often walk with drooped shoulders and eyes looking downward. Even though their eyes are down, they frequently don’t "see" where they are going, they walk with hands in their pockets, drag their feet, and do not pay attention to their surroundings. People may also walk slowly because they are pre-occupied. They walk with head down, hands behind the back, just trying to reach a well-thought out decision.

Let your posture be your friend. Your body will thank you when your posture works for you and your business will thank you because of the impression you are making.

Posture is more than how you hold your head and body, or your gait and how quickly or slowly you walk. It extends to what you communicate in the act of moving, your arms or legs, upright or slouched, eyes and chin up or down . . . in general, how you ‘posture’ yourself. You will learn more about this in the next article.

For more information, please visit Heshie's TNNW Bio.

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JETNETTING: The First Impression Factor: XVI - Use Your POSTURE