Body language is one of the keys to your success both professionally and personally. Our movements are speaking as loudly as our words, whether you know it or not.

Here are 9 tips that will significantly enhance, magnify and boost your image.

1. Powerful handshake

Is yours powerful?  Are you sure?  Have a friend check it out.  You must make web to web contact with your hand. Business deals or job opportunities are lost due to wimpy handshakes.  This a very important part of your first impression. Remember, to always stand for a handshake.  This shows respect.

2. Posture

Stand and sit up straight.  If you are slouching in a meeting you are sending a message that you are bored or tired. Slouching is also a sign of disrespect. You will also feel fresher and more awake with good posture.

3. Walk as though you know where you are going

Walk with a purpose.  See tip # 2.  Dragging your feet sends a message of disrespect and that you are not interested in yourself or others.

4. Lower your voice

Lowering your voice conveys authority. Why not exude a calm presence?

5. Eye contact

Roaming eyes and lack of eye contact can mean you are trying to hide something or just lack of confidence.  In the US, eye contact is extremely important and expected when conducting business. On average, Americans hold eye contact for about 7-10 seconds longer when we are listening.

6. Lean in

Yes, lean in slightly when having a conversation.  This shows you are truly interested in what others are saying.

7. Stay out of the other person’s bubble

That’s right, don’t stand too close.  Honor the other person’s space.

8. Be fully present

Don’t be the person who is constantly checking your phone or watch.  Being fully present is a very special gift today. It is rarely given and so greatly appreciated.  Be outstanding and different and give your undivided attention to those you are with in the moment. This is also key in being charismatic.

9. Uncross your arms

Even if you are cold, try not to shut yourself off physically.

To book Lisa Taylor Richey for your next corporate event, send an email to info@americanetiquette.com.

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So, what is it exactly and how do we get it?  Are we born with it?  Here is the good news, you can learn and develop it.  The traits that make up charisma are positive and appealing to us all. According to Wikipedia, the english term charisma is from the Greek word kharisma, which means “favor freely given” or “gift of grace”.  The dictionary defines it as a “quality in certain people who easily draw the attention  and admiration of others due to a magnetic quality of personality”.

One way to get charisma is to cultivate  it and observe others in your circle of influence. Set an intention and explore it.

Ten Tips to Become Charismatic

1. Charm does not exist without good manners! Perfect your table manners, stand-up for a handshake and write thank you notes.
2. Be Confident! Confidence is an attitude.  Hold your head high and believe in yourself.
3. Operate from an abundant mentality.  No one likes to be around someone who is pessimistic, a downer, or a whiner.  Cheer up and look on the bright side.  Take a moment daily and either write down or think about 5 things you are grateful for everyday.
4. Be fully present.  Put down your cell phone and make eye contact with the one you are with at the moment. Pay attention.
5. You become more interesting when you are more interested in someone else.  Ask questions, take an interest in someone else’s vacation, desires, work, charitable work, etc.
6. Become curious. Lead a rich full life.  Explore your own interests.  Step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
7. Dress the part. Kick “sloppy” out the door.  Stay true to your desire to be charismatic and step it up a notch.  Make an effort.
8. Posture.  This is easy and immediate.  Stand up straight, smile and get on with your day.
9. Exude vitality. Charismatic people exude a zest for life.  This is what makes them intoxicating.  We can’t get enough of those who exude charisma! We want to spend more time with them.   Find out what makes you happy and do more of it.  Fall in love with your life! Be vivacious!
10. Speak with determination.  Speak in a tone that is not doubtful or questioning.  In other words, don’t lilt.  If someone asks you what time it is, don’t tell them how to build a clock. Be brief.

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Recently, I was asked by the popular blog, Fabulous After 40 to write a post for their site.  Of course, I was thrilled.  See my article below about posture. Having good posture is important at any age.

The Importance of Good Posture

Have you ever heard the saying “an outfit is only as stunning as the woman who is wearing it”?  Part of being fabulous is being confident and comfortable in your own skin. One of the many pluses of a certain age is the beautiful gift of wisdom and confidence that it brings.

I love to people watch. Yes, I observe what people are wearing and the way they are groomed, but I really like to see the way people carry themselves. Are they walking by, buried in their cell phone? Or are their shoulders down, head held high and walking with purpose? If so, they have my attention.  I am enamored without even speaking to them.

Years ago, (even before I became an etiquette expert), I was in the West Palm Beach airport. I was waiting at my gate. I looked up from my book and a woman caught my eye. She was quite a distance down the concourse from where I was sitting, but I could not take my eyes off her.  She had such an aura. It wasn’t her outfit that caught my attention. It was the way she was carrying herself. Such pride. Such confidence. Such purpose. I loved the way she walked. I loved how she was looking forward, with her shoulders squared, and her smile. She was fully present. As she got closer, I recognized her. Yes, she was a movie star, but I didn’t notice that until she was close enough for me to get a really good look. It was Susan Lucci. I have never been one to watch soap operas, but I recognized her from magazine photos. Wow, what a presence she has!  That was over fifteen years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday. What an inspiration.

So, the good news is, it doesn’t cost anything to have good posture! It isn’t rocket science either. To have good posture you must pull your shoulders down, not back, and elongate your spine. Hold your head high. Smile.

Try it. Walk in a room with your most perfect posture. Show off your confidence, style and the fact that you know you are very comfortable in your own skin. Nothing can stand in your way!

Now, go ahead, channel your inner Susan Lucci.

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Gossiping is self-destructive and hurtful to others.  There is absolutely nothing to gain from it.  Once you are seen as a person who gossips, you will never be trusted.  If you hear someone gossipping, don’t trust them.  Move on and don’t get involved.

Enough said.

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Business etiquette is an influential and powerful skill.  Education and talent are no longer enough to get a job and build lasting professional relationships.  Would like to attend Charm School?

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