In a piece for Entrepreneur Magazine, Ross McCammon of Esquire Magazine explains how to make lasting impressions on new connections before a meeting even starts. He says that entering an unfamiliar meeting room is like leaving a bar when it’s still light outside. Things seem “a little too bright, a little overwhelming, a little disconcerting.” But the one guiding principle is this: It is
your room. For the next 30 seconds to a minute,
you are in charge, even if it’s technically someone else’ room.
Protect yourself with confidence because confidence makes you look comfortable. It should seem like there’s no other place in the world you’d rather be than right there in that room.
President Bill Clinton, who’s been called by two former press secretaries as “the best room-enterer they’ve ever seen,” teaches the following: Don’t be aimless, don’t be casual, don’t be flippant. Let your audience know they’re important and that you’re there because you have a message to give them.
Key Technical Matters
1. When people introduce themselves, say their names back to them or take a mental note. But try to keep their names in your head. Saying a person's name back to them 20 or 30 minutes after you've met them suggests graciousness and respect, and it will endear you to them.
2. Do not give out business cards before the meeting begins. It makes you look like a blackjack dealer.
3. Look everyone in the eye for, like, a millisecond longer than is comfortable.
4. Don't carry yourself in a way that could be described as "jaunty."
5. If there are fewer than six other people in the room, shake everyone's hand. If there are six or more, shake approximately five hands, and then nod amiably to the rest. The shaking of hands can get out of hand.
6. At no time say, "Let's do this!"
7. NO FIST BUMPS.
8. Don’t talk about anything that isn't pleasant, such as how much traffic you were just in or how hot it is or how you have a cold.
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– Michael Campos, LCT assistant editor
Print | posted on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 10:09 AM