We hear a lot about first impressions and wanting someone to like us when they meet us. A lot of emphasis is therefore placed on grooming and clothes. But's that only part of the story.
How we feel about ourselves has a lot - perhaps even more - to do with how someone perceives us when they first meet or see us than they way we look physically (including hair, clothing, grooming, and accessories).
Self-confidence - or lack of it - is evidenced in our posture and our carriage. If we're walking, it affects our gait.
More than the way we look when we meet someone, our confidence signals to them as to whether we are someone that they want to meet and have a conversation with or discuss business.
By now, millions of people have seen the YouTube video of Susan Boyle's performance on "Britian's Got Talent." Even though her physical appearance was somewhat dowdy, think about the way she marched out on stage, stood there condifently (almost defiantly) without moving, knocked it out of the park, and then turned to leave after her mighty performance. Confidence.
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I wish I had half of her confidence. What a lady..She even took a quick bow before she left the stage....
Happy Friday!!
Lori
First impressions aren't just about grooming. Confidence is important - but equally important is training and preparation. She obviously "nailed" it. I am amazed by how many people think their sales talent is so great that they can just "wing it". I'm guessing that the performance by Susan Boyle was practiced, rehearsed and prepared for and wasn't the result of just "winging it". How we practice is a pretty good indicator of how we perform.
I recently read that body language accounts for more than HALF the message you are sending to others! Confidence plays a key role in whether others take what you say as credible or not. Interesting stuff!
Good example! On my next listing appointment, I'll think of Susan Boyle... stand up straight and tall and give it everything. Thank you
Hi Steve, I must be one of the few who hadn't seen that performance, so before commenting I ran right over there and watched it! Totally amazed, I couldn't help but smile through the whole thing. Fantastic show of confidence!
Lori,
Wasn't that an amazing display of confidence and self-assurance? :)
Steve
Ryan,
Right on. How many people practice just to be pretty good or close enough only to find out that they're way off when it counts? :)
Steve
Gina,
Right about the body language as a messenger for our confidence level. :)
Steve
Kathleen,
I bet you'll have it "signed" before you even get out of the car. :)
Steve
Mary,
I think what is more remarkable is the reaction from the judges and the audience. :)
Steve
Steve, I agree, seeing the looks of awe and smiles on their faces added a lot to the video.
Steve, good post and great comments. When you're prepared, it only makes you more confident!
Mary,
The difference between knowing what you can do and having others underexpecting. :)
Steve
Laura,
It does. That's why role-plays and preparation are so important. :)
Steve
Susan Boyle is plucky! It's kind of a rare commodity. We use to see it in Sally Fields, or Meg Ryan, but there was something so incredibly refreshing about Susan Boyle. I think it was she seemed to know exactly who she was, and kept her focus! No matter how they received her, she blew them away with her song. That's a very special quality! I wish we had more Susan Boyles shuffling around.
Myrl,
I haven't heard that word used in a long time. That's the perfect word for this situation. Thank you. :)
Steve
Steve, I like your thoughts on confidence. If we don't believe in ourselves, who will? Confidence makes us very attractive.
Gary,
Thank you. It's got to be more than just a bravado - it needs to be beliving in ourselves because we know we're competent. :)
Steve
Steve
In the case of Susan Boyle you can read a book by the cover, she has the voice of a super star.
Good Luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Lou,
Agreed. If you stopped just what you saw on the outside, you'd miss everything. :)
Steve
confidence is an aphrodisiac for sure! :-)
Liz,
Yes, confidence can make the difference in a performance and can help carry the day. :)
Steve
Steve,
WOW! She was awesome. A good lesson that you should not judge others. And she was very confident in her performance.
Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I do not watch TV very often. ;-)
Ann
Ann,
It really demonstrates the power of confidence in delivering a great performance (or presentation). :)
Steve
Steve,
I would have to agree and she really blew them away. I thought it was awesome!
Ann
Ann,
So did millions of others around the world. A good lesson for us. :)
Steve
Steve,
You are absolutely correct...
Ann