A Case Study.
Recently I was shown a TikTok and just about choked on my leftover mushroom and black olive pizza while watching the woman give her 3-minute masterclass on confidence.
The woman’s name is Katie Tucci and she happens to be a 5’2″ blonde woman who has learned a few tips throughout her decade in the professional world.
Confidence 101
Check out her hard-won knowledge on who to be taken seriously in meetings:
@kaytuc Y’all wouldn’t believe the stories I could tell that have forced me to learn this stuff 🙃 #etiquette #howto #womeninbusiness #professional #fyp #fypシ #seriouslythough ♬ original sound - katie
Here Are The Cliffnotes:
- Start with a firm handshake.
- Introduce yourself with your first and last name.
- Speak in a declarative manner. Don’t sound unsure.
- Stop waffling.
- Don’t smile in meetings.
- Make sure your chair is raised to a level that makes you eye level with others.
- End the meeting or leave the meeting first.
- Don’t respond when people act surprised by something you say or do.
- Opt for casual masculine body language (per Katie, “That sort of relaxed atmosphere actually translates a little bit to arrogance. And frankly, I’ve found that it works.”)
- Take the other person’s business card without offering yours. Let them ask you for it.
- Initiate what is happening next (so people follow you).
- When being called a pet name like “sweetheart” or “honey”, DO NOT: normalize it, accept an apology, or nod your head and smile. Write down exactly what was said and send it in an email to someone. Time stamp it and remember exactly what happened.
- Don’t be afraid to make others uncomfortable because they are not afraid to make you feel uncomfortable.
Katie's Final Tip:
Remember that all of this takes time to learn.
Even if you're not down with all of Katie's tips...
Understanding how to show up in different settings is smart.
Professions that require confidence (think lawyers, finance, and male-dominated fields such as construction, welding, electrical engineering, etc) require nonverbals that match.
So do fields that require warmth and connection (think counselor, caregiver, teacher, etc).
All professions require a bit of both and knowing how to go between the two is a huge advantage.
Your co-pilot (who is constantly practicing),
P.S.
Do you want to have more control over your nonverbals?
Click on the “Let’s Talk” button to set up a time to connect (said very confidently).