5 Tricks To Instantly Appear Competent

First impressions form in a matter of seconds, making it extremely important to show your best self from the get-go, especially in professional situations.

Several unconscious signals you send - from how fast you speak to what you're wearing - can reveal clues to your intelligence and competence levels.

I am an Image Consultant and Soft Skill Facilitator and I have been working with clients for XX years now.

These 5 tricks that work as a magic potion and a quick fix for instant appearance.

Make eye contact.

When you first meet someone, always look them in the eye. When you do that, it adds on to your persona. It reflects your confidence and helps you to control your self-doubt anxiety.

Talk Impactfully.

Speak with confidence, pairing the most impactful words with strategic use of vocal range, emphasis, and pauses.

The must do tip is: Always avoid speaking too softly, repeating yourself, and cutting others off.

Take out those facial piercings.

The more facial piercings a person had, the less intelligent they were considered to be in professional meetings. Alert! this is a first impression with no other information about the person with piercings.

Higher numbers of facial piercings are always associated with extraversion and sensation-seeking. They are associated with lack of intelligence. So, why not keep aside those piercing jewelleries for weekend adventures and make the business oriented networking’s and meetings fruitful for self-success.

Dress Your Uniqueness .

Whether you're meeting with one of your employees or your future prospects, you should always consider that what you wear and the colours you choose convey an unspoken message. Business people need to be mindful about what their clothing — much like their body language — communicates to clients.

Entrepreneurs often overlook the colour of their clothing and especially corporate suits as unimportant. They don't realize how the colour they choose to wear can have a dramatic effect on how they are perceived by others.

Pay attention to your posture.

Think tall. Centre your upper body over your hips. Tuck in your stomach, and hold your shoulders back. Imagine that a string is pulling upward from the top of your head. Stand evenly on both feet. And, did I mention, relax? And, avoid crossing your feet or legs while you stand because others may see you as mousy.

Walk briskly with an easy stride. Avoid fidgeting with your hands or bringing your hands to your face. When moving, usually less is more. Excessive movements may signal nervousness, jitteriness or flightiness. Confident people are slower and more controlled with movements.

The last thumb rule:

Always smile! Smiling shows you enjoy being with others. Your smile must be sincere and contagious.