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This topic is much more relevant for those of you who spend time speaking publicly, hosting seminars or working with your clients face-to-face.

We’ve all heard the quote ‘you only get one chance to make a first impression’ but it’s often forgotten that you need to make just as much effort EVERY time you are speaking to a client or, especially, a prospective client.

In any business, especially if it’s your own business, you need to project a consistent level of professionalism and gravitas and the following points are a reminder of what you should do that your competitors might overlook:

1. Be the first to make an introduction. Say ‘hello’ first and offer a handshake. If a handshake is not an option then at least a head nod and a smile. From the outset you need to be personable.

2. Smile when engaging with others when appropriate.

3. Maintain steady eye contact while communicating with others. If this is uncomfortable, look just between their eyes and they won’t know the difference. It’s fine to glance away from time to time, but make sure they are your primary focus.

4. To improve your interpersonal communication skills, Listen, listen, listen. People will notice if you actually listen to them and respond to what they are talking about, rather than focusing solely on your agenda and what you have going on inside your head.

5. Don’t Interrupt! This is HUGE. Let them finish their sentence, even if you are tempted to finish their thought or idea. When you interrupt, they feel unimportant.

6. When someone is wrong about something, or incorrect about a fact that you know the truth about don’t feel like you need to correct them, unless the topic is of major importance. Some people just need to feel like they are right and letting them feel this way will make them feel good about themselves, thus helping them to be more relaxed and forthcoming.

7. If someone reads something, or sees something and feels that it is important enough to tell you about it, let them tell you – even if you already know about it. As much as you want to give the best impression possible, your client also wants to demonstrate their grasp of the subject.

8. Choose your words wisely. Once a word escapes your lips, you can never get it back. Think before you speak, and make sure what you are saying is appropriate. Do the right preparation before your meeting so you are comfortable with the subject.

9. Never Criticize, condemn, or complain. It makes other people defensive, and it won’t be welcomed. This also extends to demeaning your competitors – this does NOT go down well at all.

10. Lastly, to improve your interpersonal communication skills, talk in terms of other people’s interests. People are selfish by nature, they want to talk about what is important to them.

OK, I admit, some of these are pretty obvious but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded every now and then.

All the best,

Steve.

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