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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
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"The
Etiquette
Advantage" is a
free monthly online publication 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 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, 1st
Impressions, Inc.
Visit us on the web at www.1stimpressionsonline.com
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Are you one of those people who meets someone new for the first time,
you get past the "Hello" and then a tumbleweed breezes across the
floor? If so, you are not alone. Most people would rather pull
their toenails out than actually have to go up to someone they have
never met before and strike up a conversation! Meeting people for the
first time can be a very daunting task, but it need not be the case.
Here are a few tips to improve your small talk skills:
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Be the first to say "Hello!" Always smile
and shake hands when you meet anyone.
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Introduce yourself. Provide your full name
and relation to the host or event. |
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Initiate a conversation by providing
praise or a compliment. Avoid complaining, sarcasm and gossip. |
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Maintain eye contact. Many
people often allow their eyes to stray - and even look for the
next
conversation partner - while the other person is talking. People don't
feel listened to if you're not looking at them. If you no longer
wish
to talk to the person, tactfully end the conversation. |
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Ask open-ended questions that
will lead to further discussion. Focus on the other person, not trying
to impress them with your knowledge and verbal ability. Listen more
than you speak. |
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Act excited about what the other person is
talking about by providing encouraging verbal feedback. |
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Be
prepared. Always have three
great questions in mind for any event. They will come in handy when you
find yourself in the middle of an awkward moment like seated at a table
of eight where people are playing with their food. |
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Don't disappear from conversations. Make a
positive impression by shaking hands and saying goodbye as you leave.
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The ability to
talk easily
with anyone is a learned skill, not a personality trait. Learning this
will help you develop rapport with people and leave an impression that
lasts longer than exchanging business cards. Remember, small talk can
lead to big talk, which can lead to big people, and huge opportunities.
To
learn more, register here for Patricia's upcoming 2-session Small Talk
class.
Quotes for the Month
Don't
knock the weather;
nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't
change once in a while. ~ Kin Hubbard
The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to
listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each
other is our attention…. A loving silence often has far more power to
heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words. ~
Rachel
Naomi Remen
Upcoming Events: View
listing
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1st 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.
1st Impressions, Inc. provides the
polished finishing touches that help you project a lasting impression
of power, poise, confidence and professionalism.
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If you would like to subscribe to "The
Etiquette
Advantage" E-Tips,
please complete the information below:
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PRIVACY STATEMENT:
1st Impressions, Inc. will not distribute your address to anyone.
To unsubscriber, complete the
following:
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©
2003-2005 1st Impressions, Inc. All rights reserved.
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