Keep Smiling.
Body language is often more important than the words you use. After studying conversations in work and social places, researchers worldwide found that when it comes to remembering information, only seven per cent comes from the words we use – the rest comes from body language.
We naturally prefer a person who smiles, walks confidently and looks us in the eye because it lifts our spirits – and everyone likes to feel happier. But when we attend a social or work event, we’re often so nervous about meeting new people, or doing something “wrong” that all we can do is think about ourselves. So if someone talks to us, we either clam up, or we ramble on endlessly!
To make a good first impression, focus on making others feel comfortable. They’re just as nervous as you are, so don’t worry about dazzling them with witty talk, just help them feel comfortable. Ask them questions about themselves, or share a joke.
“Laughter helps defuse tension reducing stress – hormone levels,” explains psychologist Dr Shapiro. “Plus it helps you feel closer to each other because you are both sharing the fact that you see something from the same point of view.”
Entries from October 2009 ↓
Self Improvement – What Do Others Think About You? (part 2)
October 31st, 2009 — Relationship
Self Improvement – What Do Others Think About You? (part 1)
October 30th, 2009 — Relationship
Some people seem to know how to make a great first impression. Are they just lucky, or do they know something you don’t?
Why do some people seem to be lucky so often? They just breeze through life meeting great new friends, or they land great jobs without studying the Classifieds. “Oh, I bumped into someone and she mentioned an opening at her company,” they say happily.
Most of us merely shrug when this happens and think, “She really knows how to get on with people, right from the start. I wish I had her good luck.” But the truth is, we make a lot of our own good luck, with a combination of good attitude, hard work and body language. So all of us can be more fortunate, if we’re prepared to adapt a little. Here are some surprising secrets researchers have discovered about boosting your luck:
Do It Differently.
Studies show that “unlucky” people tend to fear change. When they meet a new person, they tend to say silent, or ignore them. In contrast, people who consider themselves lucky tend to chat more easily at work events or introduce themselves to others at parties – which means they increase their chances of meeting more useful contacts.
Dr Richard Wiseman, head of the psychology research department at the University of Hertfordshire in England, has been studying what makes some people lucky, and others less lucky. His studies show that your self – confidence greatly affects your luck. Dr Wiseman first notes that there is a difference between chance and luck – chance is something you can’t control, like winning a lottery. But luck is different.
He says, “Unlucky people tend to stick to routines. When they see something new, they want no part of it. Lucky people are prepared to take risks and are relaxed enough to see opportunities.”
In other words, people who just happen to hear about a great new job at a work event or meet a wonderful new friend in the supermarket turn out, on closer inspection, to be the kind of people who take the small risk of chit – chatting with a stranger.
Self Preservation : Relationship – Friend or Foe?
October 17th, 2009 — Relationship
She’s your deskside counsellor, e-mail sparring partner and confidante over morning tea. But can the workmate who knows too much prove dangerous for your career?
Friends at work can make the office tolerable, even fun. But they know the real you. They know how badly or how well you deal with stress and how often you make personal phone calls.
This intimacy can create strong bonds, but it can give your work friend power over you too. To protect yourself from being manipulated or disappointed, adopt some of these strategies for self – preservation… Continue reading →
How to Fix Your Finances in Just 1 Hour
October 6th, 2009 — Goal Setting, Saving
Here is 10 way to fix your finances in just 1 hour :
In Your Lunch Hour :
1. Save Time With The Internet.
Don’t waste time queuning at the bank. While chomping on your sandwich at your desk, you can still sort out your finances, as long as you have secure access to the internet. Use your lunch hour to pay bills, transfer funds to a savings account, update your account details, check your latest credit card statements or redeem rewards from your credit card. All you need are your account details and pin numbers. But don’t save login details on your office computer, and be sure to log off your banking site properly after you’re done.
2. Make Your Savings Work Harder.
Research shows a woman is more likely to get divorced than change her bank. Most banks offer similar service and interest rates, but there are subtle differences between various accounts. For instance, you may have surplus cash in an ordinary account which pays very little interest, as compared to interest paid in specialist accounts or a time deposit. Use your lunch time to do comparative “shopping” by checking out the different types of accounts.
Continue reading →
