Years ago, it was said that too much hand movement when speaking could be annoying and distract from the speaker. Today, in our virtual society, hand movements have become our body language, as we are seen from the shoulders up on the screen. In a recent interview, Bill Gates commented about the pandemic. He tried to walk a fine line without causing too much political damage. Gates attempted to be diplomatic, but his hand movements and tone of voice showed he was angry about the state of affairs and troubled about the future ahead with the pandemic. Visual cues will always make an impact.

Wardrobe choices can define a person. The choices often display a level of positive attitude that says I belong and have a seat at the table. Clothing choices should somewhat mirror those around the table. However, they can also say a lot about your personal style. These individuals wear their clothing with confidence – especially when a word is not spoken. Their presence speaks. The fit of the shoulders, the sleeve length, the color choices, and the item selection show that the individual is not a carbon copy of someone else. Wardrobe choices can help an individual create a presence when they walk into the room. They are authentic.

Gravitas means showing decorum, dignity, or seriousness. It is an important trait to display in order to make a positive first impression and to stand out in a crowded field. First impressions happen quickly—and the chance to make a good one is quickly lost. Recently, I attended a fundraiser for a presidential candidate who is not a frontrunner in the race. The candidate rushed in late, tried to pay attention to her supporters, and attempted to smile easily. Although the candidate has long-term success in the political arena, and the ability to overcome a less than stellar first impression, she should have handled her entrance differently. Instead of rushing into the room, the candidate should have taken a moment in the car to set the tone, preparing to walk confidently into the room. She should have paused upon her entrance and waited for the crowd to settle (they would have because she did). In addition, the candidate’s smile looked a bit weary and her clothing choices did not look fresh. Taking time in the car to change into a new jacket, while her staff managed the crowd, would have been wise. It was a missed opportunity for the candidate to show gravitas and to make a strong impression.

Body language, meaning how we stand, the way we walk in a room, and the pacing of our steps, all speak to our confidence. In my favorite movie, Star Trek, I noticed the difference between the way Jim Kirk (now played by Chris Pine) walked onto the bridge and the way Dr. Spock did it. Despite the difference in approaches, both characters radiated an air of quiet confidence.

Watch the difference between first class and premier status boarding passengers the next time you people watch at the airport. Think about how you compare and who might you select as a role model.

The moment one walks in the door, before any words are spoken, folks will have decided unconsciously to remember or not remember you. Working with executives, they want to know: Do you represent the professional, personal, and the organizational brand well? Can you be a face of the organization?

To burnish your brand, Here are some items to keep in mind:
• Projecting confidence is number one. This includes the walk, posture, facial expression (smile), and a sense of where you are going.
• Clothing choices will connect you the audience through a choice of familiarity or for a shock effect.
• Elegance is a critical component.

Also, assume the audience will know nothing about you.

Walking into a room feeling good sets the tone for the rest of not only the event, but the remainder of the day. Remember, the first  impression of the day is the one you set for yourself. As author, Malcom Gladwell, suggested, “The first impression is a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

If you feel confident, those around you will too. Good fit and the right color of clothing choices are critical to feeling good about yourself. The correct clothing formula strengthens your comfort, well-being, and self-confidence to own the room you walk into!

The personal space standard, when standing with a person or groups in conversation, is one arm’s length. Business today continues to be gender neutral with sensitivity whether in formal or casual settings. The only touch would be a handshake depending the culture of the individuals involved. This guideline is even more important today to prevent any misunderstandings.

Keeping grounded is being aware of the triggers that prevent you from going down a rabbit hole. What is a trigger and how do you know what it is?

It can be a panicky feeling, talking too fast or allowing procrastinating to seep into your life. Once the trigger is determined, then put in a distraction until you return to stability. Using golf as an example, it is never the bad shot that causes the problem. It is what you do on the next shot. Keeping grounded takes practice and the more practice, the more grounded you’ll feel.

Recently, I was at an event with a group and a friend greeted me. He looked confused on how to start shaking hands or even to say hello. This was a social gathering and everyone was friends.

Always begin left to right when greeting a large group. The only time you don’t use the left to right process is in a business situation where you begin with the most important person in the group. It can be the client or the most senior person in the room. Hugs are only allowed with permission. This also holds true when making introductions.

Disagreements are normal when working on a project, vision or strategy. I have always felt a successful end game needs to have different points of view to achieve a positive outcome. Now, that does not mean to always handle disagreements with kid gloves or bare fists. The main goal is to focus on the result. Four key items to remember are:

• Respect the person or persons
• Stay with the facts
• Honor the opposing side
• Leave the door open to revisit