I talk a lot about writing and delivery to communicate effectively, but there’s an additional aspect you need to master: your non-verbal communication.
Here are my favourite ways (outside of material and delivery) to make an impact, persuade and make your audience feel really good:
Do Your Research
Look at their LinkedIn profiles, read their articles, put a face to the name.
🔸You’ll know people’s names before being introduced.
🔸You’ll make the conversation flow by making it relevant to them.
Showing you’ve done your research sends a powerful message: you’re
dedicated, diligent and interested. This alone may be the most powerful driver for them to want to work with you.
Get There Early
Enter the venue/room before everyone else. Become familiar with the layout, technical aspects, have a drink of water and go to the toilet.
⚡You’ll look comfortable throughout.
⚡You handle anything unexpected much more easily.
Getting into the room early gives you a great advantage – most people get thrown by simple problems they could have dealt with in advance.
Make a Great First Impression
Whatever the situation, this is the very best way to tip the odds in your favour, by projecting confidence and therefore creating a positive feedback loop of trust.
⭐ Smile.
⭐ Make eye contact.
That’s it. Your audience will warm to you before you’ve even spoken. So simple, so effective.
Adapt and Interact
Go with it. Your plan was great, but flexibility is the key to its success.
🪐 Loud noise? Mention it and continue.
🪐 Tech fails? Abandon it and keep going!
This makes you look super credible and helps reduce the stress. Aim for connection, not perfection.
Keep to Time
My favourite thing to hate. If you go over your time, you send these messages:
🙄 I don’t respect you.
🙄 I’m disorganised.
Think they’ll want to work with you after that? Probably not.
Have Fun
People who can enjoy themselves are fun to be with. This is crucial for any relationship, business or otherwise.
😁 Don’t take yourself too seriously.
😁 Open up a bit – show some personality.
All these things send a message far more powerful than anything you put on your slides.
Yes, your words are important, but your whole personality and way of operating is being assessed constantly, whether you like it or not.