It amazing how many folks do not realize how important the smile is. A smile engages those around you. It adds warmth to you and gives warmth to others. It changes the perception of who you are.

The Definition of Smile

As a verb: Form one’s features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up: “smiling faces.”

As a noun: A pleased, kind or amused facial expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed.

Remember the expression, when you are smiling the world smiles with you and when you are crying you cry alone.

When you are attending an event as couple, the person who has the tie-in to the event is the one to determine when to leave. The rule of thumb is that the time to exit and who suggests it to the host should be discussed before the event.

Also, do not depart in a herd. This means to wait and give the host space to properly say good bye. Follow these guidelines and you will always exit gracefully.

Carrying personal calling cards appears to be a new practice for many. But, what should be on it? Should it be a simple card or contain a design? If you have a second career or hobby should the personal card reflect it?

A card also provides information so the recipient of the card has information on how to contact you. Miss Manner’s recent advice is that the simpler, the better. Design the card with the end in mind.

If you use the card for contact information only, you can choose a different color paper or ink to jazz it up. Of course, or you can never go wrong with black print and white stock. A quality appearance is important.

If the card reflects something you are promoting, it should contain information about the product or service. The bottom line is that a personal calling card should describe what you want the recipient to know about you.

Asking questions is critical to understanding any issue. In order to clarify the question, always begin with the end in mind. What is it that you want to understand? And what is the message in the answer?

Too often, another question gets asked without the questioner completely digesting the previous answer. So, a key to understanding is listening to the previous answer.

Seek to understand then to be understood.

The definition of harmony: “Agreement in feeling or opinion; accord: live in harmony. 2. A pleasing combination of elements in a whole.”

Irene Rosenberg, CEO of Kraft Foods, who was recently recognized for her leadership, spoke about harmony. Everyone is always talking about balance. Sometimes balance does not bring the results you want. Harmony does not necessarily mean balance. However, it does connote a sense of calmness and stability in the situation.

You can’t always have balance but you can strive for harmony in any circumstance.

The question keeps coming up for women – do I have to wear hose?  Of course, the answer is obvious if it is cold outside (around 40 or below), wear stockings. It is when the weather gets very warm, you have nice tan legs and they do not look too fleshy that you can opt not to wear hose.  However, if you are making a major presentation and wearing a skirt, hose would be more appropriate.

An audience’s attention span is very limited. So, whether you’re in front of an audience of 50 plus or of 10, your message must be succinct and still pack a punch. Remember these seven keys when crafting your message. Never wing it. Practice this formula and you will always grab the audience:

1.Begin with the end in mind
2.Make every word a key one
3.Immediately create a picture or ask a rhetorical question
4.Speak with authority (you are the expert)
5.Validate the audience (get them involved)
6.Always practice the message out loud while standing up
7.Passionately convey your authenticity

If you practice these seven key steps you will always deliver a succinct, impactful message. Also, at least 90% of your audience will be engaged in your talk.

In a recent Jay Leno show a Republican presidential candidate was the guest. Jay is an easy interviewer and a moderate Republican so it seemed like the guest should have been comfortable. Instead, he was very wooden and stiff. His posture shouted: I am uncomfortable and not too likable.

Not everyone is going to have a natural ease about themselves. However if you are going be in the public eye, practice and exercise your body so you convey a fluidness and ease in front of the public.

Here a few suggestions:
• If you can take a workshop, I highly recommend an improv class (I took one and it helped me tremendously)
• Stretch before you present or are going to be interviewed
• Take a dance or yoga class

I firmly believe the folks who can appear naturally relaxed in front of an audience practice it. Plus, a few fortunate ones probably began speaking early in front of an audience. Avoid being perceived as wooden. It takes so much work to change that perception.

A recent interview with a job hunting professional noted a key element to be aware of when writing a one page resume. One is for it to pass the two minute test. This means that the reader can capture the essence of the resume in two minutes.

This two minute test is also critical when writing a one page report. Most people today have a limited time and too short of an attention span to read more than one page.

To pass the two minute test, always the state the objective, how to get there and summarize the end result. Also, make sure that “What’s in it for the reader” gets across. If the reader can absorb all that in two minutes you will have a win/win.

How many times do we neglect to just say thank you to a compliment? We instead offer reasons why we don’t deserve the nice words said about ourselves. It is not being modest or humble to bring up what went wrong. What you are doing is not respecting the giver of the compliment.

So, the next time someone pays you a compliment say thank you. Tell them how much you appreciate they noticed whether the comments were about a piece of clothing or a project you were successful at.

Just say “Thank You.”