Waiting room chairs and sofas are there to provide a comfortable, usually over-cushioned spot for the visitor to rest while waiting. Many people "settle" or seek refuge in the furniture. You may be nervous. If so, you may go further and further back into the chair or sofa, perhaps using is as a "cave" to comfort or protect you while you wait. If you are interviewing, you'll discover that standing up to greet someone when they arrive can be a less than graceful fluid motion as you may have to "hoist" yourself from deep inside the cushioned seat. Also, you start out "below" the other person, rather than as their equal.
When you are waiting for an interview whether it is in an office, Starbucks, or restaurant, keep standing. It shows respect. In an office situation look at any art on the walls, talk with the receptionist (if they are not busy) or even stand as you look at the magazines, annual reports, etc. If you stay standing, you are using more energy than you do sitting, and you might be less nervous when you actually meet the person. Watch out for body swaying, side to side rocking, weight shifting or foot tapping, if you tend to "leak" energy in those disconcerting methods. If the Starbucks or restaurant is crowded or you are otherwise encouraged to wait sitting at a table, sit facing the door, so you can spot the other person and stand up immediately. Stay standing until you shake hands and the other person sits down.
Another time to stay standing is when you are talking on the phone during a call setting up the interview or the interview itself.. Standing enables you to open up your diaphragm, so your voice sounds confident. It will add a touch of professionalism and, perhaps, even a sense of control or power, which can soothe your nerves. If you are at home, get dressed for the call. The interview done in your P.J.'s may end up sounding a tad too relaxed.
Against all odds, we humans are bi-pedal creatures and most of us are able to stand on our own two feet. Our bodies have evolved (including having the spinal cord enter the skull near the center of our cranium - inspiring perhaps the concept of being "level headed") to give us an advantage over chimps who can only walk on two legs for short distances. So why not use this advantage to our benefit. Stand up and show respect; show that you are confident!
To learn more tips and techniques for better communication results, please contact Making Conversation at www.makingconversation.com. Peggy Wallace, Making Conversation LLC. (www.makingconversation.com) can improve your communication skills and enhance your interview preparation.
Present your best self by being authentic and enthusiastically showing your own unique personality; open doors by winning with words.
Contact Peggy for private sessions at Tel # (760) 803-2641 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (760) 803-2641 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or e-mail Peggy at peggy@makingconversation.com
Be authentically yourself. Establish rapport. Making Conversation can assist you to develop responses which are thought out ahead of time, not the "automatic” or “right" response, but your personal best answer. If you communicate effectively with confidence and ease, your answers will persuade the interviewer to become your advocate.
Author Bio: Peggy Wallace's Making Conversation offers group and private conversational skills sessions as well as private interview preparation, with videotaped interview practice. Interview prep for college, jobs and scholarships assists you in developing clear, concise, persuasive and relevant personal stories which exhibit your individual strengths. Peggy is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania/Wharton School and Boston University School of Law. Peggy was a regional alumna volunteer interviewer for undergraduate admissions to Penn/Wharton for over 25 years. Peggy's business experience includes corporate attorney, fundraiser and financial services sales consultant.
