"The Etiquette Advantage" is a free monthly online publication from 1^st 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 publication should come to you only if you have requested it or because you have a pre-existing relationship with Patricia Whitaker or her business, 1^st Impressions, Inc.  

Visit us on the web at www.1stimpressionsonline.com

Whether you are self-employed, work in sales or management, or work in a large corporation, nothing is more fundamentally important to your career success than your ability to communicate effectively. By being able to make effective, informative and entertaining presentations, you can significantly enhance your career development. Follow the tips below to overcome the anxiety that most people (including professional speakers) associate with public speaking:

1. Keep things in perspective. Don't take yourself too seriously and don't overestimate the importance or consequences of your presentation. Remember that most audiences will be satisfied as long as you're just not awful!
2. Make the connection. Develop a rapport with the audience through open body language, appropriate gestures and an exciting and upbeat tone of voice.
3. Focus on a Friendly Face. Everytime you speak there is always at least two people who are smiling, looking at you or nodding in agreement. Keep your eyes on them until you feel relaxed.  Be sure to scan the rest of the audience regularly.
4. Never apologize. Don't make a production out of the fact that you're nervous... you're much more aware of your anxiety than the audience. In most instances, the audience won't even suspect you're nervous unless you tell them.
5. Visualize a Successful Presentation - Picture the opening, body and the close. Picture everyone smiling, laughing at your humor, applause at appropriate times and then coming up afterwards telling you about the great job you did.

Make Note of It

 You are Invited to the Following Upcoming Workshops

• Small Talk….Going Beyond "Hello"  -  March 21 and 28^th
• Dining Etiquette  -  April 6^th and May 4^th
• Polishing Your Professional Image  -  April 27^th

Visit the Chesterfield Adult Education website to register or call 804-768-6140 for a catalog

Quotes for the Month

"There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars."  ~ Mark Twain

 "It's natural to have butterflies, the secret is to get them to fly in formation".  ~ Walter Cronkite

1^st Impressions, Inc. offers a variety of customized workshops and private consultations for business owners, employees, and individuals on professional presence, business protocol, effective communication, interviewing skills and dining etiquette. A unique program designed especially for teens, Skills 4 Success, is also highly recommended.  

1^st Impressions, Inc. provides the polished finishing touches that help you project a lasting impression of power, poise, confidence and professionalism.