We all do it.
We meet someone and immediately form an opinion about them.
Imagine a speech bubble popping up over a person’s head and a word being inserted in it:
Words like:
Friend
Foe
Indifference
Rich
Powerful
Generic
Influential
Kind
Insecure
Helpful
Arrogant
Smart
Intimidating
Needy
Etc…
It's sad but true.
Your brain is just doing its job and quickly trying to size others up as a way to keep you safe. And to do this, non-verbals help to quickly determine what word we assign.
Which begs the question,
What is your speech bubble word?
Becoming self-aware allows you to consider how you are perceived by others. And once you do that, you can show up with intention.
Having control over your non-verbals including your body language, vocal power, ornaments, and the actual words you use is the way to build charisma, influence, and presence.
When you take the time to really figure out how you are being perceived, making adjustments becomes manageable.
For example:
If you are intimidating, adding in some head tilts, mirroring gestures, triples nods, vocal encouragement, and warmth cues like smiling and social gazing can make a big difference.
If you are considered nice but often are overlooked, adding in power body language, a launch stance, confident facial and body movements, and professional gazing can help add competence to your personal brand.
It takes knowledge and practice but is a game changer!
Check out my free assessment tool below to help you hone in on how you are showing up.
Your co-pilot (who wants her speech bubble word to be shouting charismatic and engaging!),
P.S.
What's your speech bubble word?
Let me know your speech bubble word! I’d love to hear about how you are being perceived.