Showing up for a meeting can be nerve-racking sometimes. The pressure of coming up with incredible ideas can get exhausting, and the last thing you want to do is to appear looking nervous, unable to talk and share your ideas.
Whether you’re a in a meeting with a potential client, or joining a zoom meeting or an executive room full of top directors and partners, meetings have the potential of leaving a lasting impression on anyone. The smarter you look in both your appearance and your choice of words, the more likely you are to be heard, respected, and valued, even when the meeting ends.
Here are some tips on how to appear smart at meetings;
Your Outfit – Looking and smelling good would boost your confidence. You have to appear how you want to be addressed, SMART! You will be taken seriously and people will be drawn to pay attention to you when you look your best.
Come Prepared – You shouldn’t attend any meeting unprepared. Make notes of some points of discussion and have some few questions in mind as well. Understand the subject as much as possible before you join the meeting just so you are confident of contributions you would be able to make during discussions.
Body Language – Your body language communicates how attentive, nervous, or distracted you are. So instead of slouching into your seat, lean forward and sit up throughout the meeting. This will show that you’re paying close attention to whoever is speaking and you will be compelled to keep your back straight.
Be Audible – When you are in a meeting, you shouldn’t just be present by sitting through the meeting. Make a conscious effort to contribute to discussions. You don’t need to say much, but when you have to speak, speak audibly so everyone can hear what you are saying.
Take Notes – Taking notes during meetings is a good exercise. Aside showing your commitment and seriousness about the discussions taking place, it allows you to refer to them even after the meeting is over. In an era where so many things are happening at the same time, putting down a few pointers can also help you keep track of the task ahead prior to the next meeting.
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