Often, when I am working with clients on their interviewing skills – it is their body language that negates their professional presence. The On-Line University staff writers have written a blog on this topic. It emphasizes how critical body language is in communications. It points out how perceptions are created: 82% with the eyes, 11%, ears, 7%, smell, taste and touch.

Go to http://www.onlineuniversities.com/body-language to view a graph and article that will give you tips on how to insure that those around you see you as a confident person and to comfirm that you mean what you say with your voice and body language.

Josh Groban currently has the number one selling CD, “All that Echos”. On Feb 11, Josh was asked why he does not perform more popular songs. He replied that his voice was not suited for it meaning the vocals would not have the impact he wanted them to have. He also said that he was not comfortable performing in that genre.

Groban’s career thus far suggests that he stays with and strengthens what he does best. You can see the growth from his first CD to the current one, which has sold 25 million copies to date. (Interesting numbers, knowing that after being discovered, he was told that his voice might not sell.)

Groban’s stance suggests a maturity and insightful understanding of his own abilities. We might all take a lesson from this and embrace/strengthen what do we do well and build a proven track record to confirm it. Stay focused on what you do best and while always moving your skill set forward.

Interviews fall into the same category as public speaking. We can be extremely nervous while at the same time, we want folks to know that we are brilliant and belong in that role. Even Jodie Foster, writer, actor and philanthropist hated the audition process, which is similar to an interview.

Breathing is the number one physical action you can take that will steady and help you exude confidence in an interview as well as help you get through a panic attack, should one occur.

Secondly, you want to practice how you will talk in the interview. Remember what it is about your background, life and practical business experiences that puts you over the top for the position.

Keep in mind, though, that a “gotcha” question might be asked. If so, repeat the question and breathe deep to settle yourself. These tips will bring you closer to getting the job you are meant to have.

Unfortunately, it has become very common not to respond to e-mails, phone calls, voice messages and even direct questions. I find that a true professional will respond with one of the following statements:

– I will get back to you when we have an answer.

– I received your message and will get back to you by________.

– I received your message and will get back to you as soon as I can.

A real professional will respond within 24 hours. Become a pro who always gives the courtesy of a response. If you are already responsive, good going and keep it up.

In the book “Shouting Won’t Help,” author Katherine Bouton whose hearing loss began at age 30, lists three tips on how to help someone who has a hearing loss. They are:

– Look at the person you are talking to

– Repeat the question or answer by paraphrasing it

– Articulate using a normal voice and even pace.

It’s all great advice since many folks today may experience hearing loss due to loud noises and ear phone usage. In fact, we are getting used to seeing hearing aids because they are becoming as commonplace as glasses.

Also, if you have a hearing loss – let people know about it in an easy conversation. It will remind them to use the three tips above and help you understand what they are saying.

I just finished reading “Complaint is a Gift” by Janelle Barlow and Claus Moller (It is out of print.). It highlights case studies from companies who have used customer complaints as a tool to strengthen their services and products (British Airlines is one of those cited in the book.)

I believe our customers refer to everyone we communicate and work with. Just recently, I purchased an item that was misrepresented to me. I called the store to let them know I did not like being strong armed into purchasing this product. I was told that the product was better than the one I actually wanted to buy.

Their responsess were text book on what not to do when handling a complaint:

– They never asked my name.

– They never introduced themselves.

– They never thanked me for calling.

– They never suggested that they could have been wrong.

This will be the last time I go to this store. Their products were not less expensive than those at other stores, but their establishment was convenient for me to get to.

So, it’s good policy to treat a complaint as a gift because when it’s handled the proper way, customer loyalty usually remains intact.

The first lady, Michelle Obama, wore purple gloves instead of the traditional black ones in the Inaugural parade. Why did the purple work? First, it was a quiet touch while being just enough to notice and for folks to spot her as she waved to them. It was also in the same color family and tone of the navy blue coat.

Purple ended up being perfect as an accent color and worked well for the gloves. They definitively replaced the black and were elegant at the same time. Would it have been the same had she worn purple pumps or boots? No.

The most fascinating things about the awards shows (The Golden Globes were on just the other night) besides the clothes and glamour are the acceptance speeches. Viewers tend to hear the good, bad and the ugly which is why the speeches are instructive to listen to.

Hearing them can provide guidelines on how to give a good acceptance speech.

Here is what I have learned:

• Accept graciously instead of saying I can’t believe it

• Thank those who helped you

• Tell a succinct story that will motivate others

• Smile and enjoy the moment

Remember these critical elements and any acceptance speech you give will be joy to hear.

In this Sunday’s New York Times business section, Corner Office, “Tony Tjan, CEO and founder of Cue Ball, a venture capital firm, suggested waiting 24 seconds, 24 minutes and 24 hours before criticizing a new idea. This allows the time needed to examine all the ways it might work.

So many times in a meeting ideas and thoughts are never shared because of the fear of being rejected. If we all were to use Mr. Tjan’s system it would absolutely allow more folks to express their creativity and be open to share ideas. The results would energize the conversation and allow different and possibly even better approaches toward a solution.

How can you determine what truly energizes you and tie that in to what you love to do professionally. It seems to be easier to know what we don’t want to do so begin with a checklist. In one column list at least 10 items you don’t like. On the other side of the column write what you are doing. If 5 of the 10 items on the I don’t like side show up put them next to the item on the what you’re doing side. Do this for a month and then reassess. This will help you get closer to what you love to do. Be patient – it can take up to a year to figure it out. In the long run you will be energized and fulfilled.