April 2004








Past Article(s):
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
Dining Etiquette







Lasting
Impressions

"We were very satisfied with the first impressions seminar. The presenter was fully qualified, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about the subject matter."

Participants from
(Richmond) City University
"The Etiquette Advantage" is a free monthly online newsletter from 1st Impressions, Inc.  It is geared for those who want to enhance their self-confidence, heighten their communication skills, and outclass their competition.

This free subscription newsletter should come to you only if you have requested it or because you have a pre-existing relationship with Patricia Whitaker or her business, 1st Impressions, Inc.  

Visit us on the web at www.1stimpressionsonline.com
Effective Listening
Listening is an important business communication skill. Clients, customers, and employees want to be heard, understood, valued and appreciated. Your skill as a listener can make or break your success in leadership, teams, customer relationships, and negotiation. It's estimated that people screen out or change the intended purpose of what they hear in over 70% of all communications. The biggest factor contributing to such crucial errors is our listening approach. Like any other skill, competency in listening is achieved through learning and practice. To be an effective listener, follow the stop, look, and listen technique:
STOP
Stop Talking.
Avoid or ignore distractions and focus totally on the other person.
Body language should be relaxed and open to the speaker.
    (Examples: Eye contact, no objects between the speaker and the listener, and arms uncrossed.)

LOOK

Make eye contact about 75% of the time.
Observe the speaker's body language for additional information.

LISTEN

Do not:
Interrupt or finish the speaker's sentences.
Plan your response as the person is speaking.
Discredit the speaker's message by responding without empathy or sincerity.
Offer unsolicited advice or try to "fix" their problem with a quick answer.



Do:
Nod and offer verbal affirmation while listening.
Respond in a positive way that shows you understand the issue or concern.
Ask related questions to foster a dialogue.

 In the business environment, effective listening means satisfied clients, employees, and co-workers, fewer errors and increased profits. Listening helps build relationships, improve accuracy, resolve conflicts, and ensure understanding. The benefits of improving this skill are numerous and should be a priority as you strive for professional success.

Quotes for the Month

We were given two ears but only one mouth, because listening is twice as hard as talking.
.
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you."   ~ Dale Carnegie

"Listen" and "silent" are made up of the same letters.
.
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to be angry…."  James 1:19
line
1st Impressions, Inc. offers a variety of customized workshops on professional presence, business protocol, effective communication, interviewing skills and dining etiquette. Clients include corporations, professional associations, community organizations, churches, government agencies, and universities. Individual private coaching is available and there is also a special program for teens. 1st Impressions, Inc. provides the finishing touches that will enhance your professional image.

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