Research proves that whopping 65 per cent of women employees feel that people around them do not take them seriously in a corporate set up. However, you just need to muscle up your ‘Power-moves’ to change this scenario.
Power Dressing
To feel the change, dressing well is the easiest start. It is not about wearing fancy clothes or big brands it is about the appropriateness of your attire. Dressing goes a long way to exude your purpose and preparedness for an occasion. It also makes you feel good and more confident. Therefore, power suits and well ironed formal clothes are always appreciated in office set up, while casuals are to be given a second thought.
Power Pose
Mind your BODY language because it reveals what is not spoken. This is the quickest and the most visible hack to exhibit confidence. The basic ones are - talk to a person with eyes on his face, keep your chin up, hold back your shoulders and straighten your spine. There are many power poses that can be learnt but using them is a skill that needs to be practiced again and again to make it a habit.
Power talk
Never second guess yourself and learn to speak your mind with conviction. Sure you have to muster courage to express your views clearly while respecting the opinions of others. To start you can follow the three simple techniques :
-Use I-statements more often- When making a request or expressing your feelings, try to use I-statements.
Example 1: If your friend wants your help, try this: 'I’ve had a busy week, so I need some time to relax. How about next weekend ?'
Example 2 : In a meeting if you have an idea try this : ‘I have a suggestion and I really think this could solve it.’
-Start with low stake familiar situations to build your confidence muscle. It feels a lot safer to practice assertiveness with family and later use it in difficult situations at workplace.
Example 1: Schedule your housekeeping as per your schedule
Example 2 : Pick up a dress of your choice.
Example 3 : If not happy with the order politely ask the waiter to replace it.
-Prepare and Practice in high stake situations : To do difficult things you have to do it the hard way. In business meetings if you have to speak, never ever go unprepared. Do lot of preparation and practice, believe me its worth it :
Get all the details of the subject
Jot down your main points
Script your speech
Practice many many times and if possible
Know a little about your audience
Power Tone
This can be a differentiator for you - how you say what you say matters. The tone of voice reveals the implicit messages that helps you to connect with your audience on next level.
Don’t speak in a monotone voice. Vary the pitch high and low as you talk.
Speak slowly to keep your listeners engaged
Keep your voice at a level that allows people to hear you but avoid mumbling
Smile to sound approachable and friendlier.
Manage your emotions while speaking, however sometimes its okay to sound genuinely overwhelmed.
Record yourself to perfect your pitch, volume and speed.
Power Look
You are expected to reciprocate attention by listening with empathy. To show you are interested in the conversation you must keep your eyes on the person who is talking. This will give a friendly flavour to the conversation even when you’re not talking.
Power No
Muster courage to say ‘NO’ when you want to. Since childhood we are programmed that good people do not say no - it means disrespect or hurting someone’s feelings. This is not true. Don’t overstretch or overextend yourself - it amounts to self sabotaging for the sake of others causing distress and pain. Remember, its better to say ‘No’ than a reluctant ‘Yes’. Of course in some situations straight ‘No’ is difficult, you can navigate differently:
Example 1: Buy time and say,‘can I get back to you’.
Example 2: Express your non-availability and say ,’ I really wish I could help you, can we do it some other time.’
Power Follow-ups
Never leave your idea without a closure. Don't hesitate to reconnect with your audience or don't be apologetic to take their time for a feedback. Make your followups direct and clear. It can be worded something like this :
Example 1: ‘This is a follow up on the proposal I sent you last week on the ongoing challenge. I really think this could solve it. In case you missed it, I am attaching it again and I would be happy to walk you through it'.
Example 2: ‘If there’s a better time to follow up, let me know, and I’ll circle back then.'
These are 7 power moves which can go a long way to help you communicate well and be taken seriously by people around you. If you found some ways to make a place for yourself, do share them in the comments below.
Onwards and Upwards!
Comments