Page 183 - ConvinceThemFlip

open the lines of communication
must have already adopted a really useful attitude. This is
the time to be mindful of it, to feel it, and be aware of it.
Point your heart at the person you are meeting and check
to be sure you have nothing covering your chest—no
hands, arms, clipboards, or other work paraphernalia. I
always make a point of making sure my hands are visible.
It disarms the other person’s subconscious fight-or-flight
response by showing them that I have nothing to hide.
Eye: Be the first to make eye contact. Immediately
make a mental note of the color of the person’s eyes.
Smile: Be first to smile. Let your smile reflect your
attitude. A great smile shows that you are confident, hon-
est, and enthusiastic. (If you smile before you meet their
eyes, that’s fine. The effect’s the same. This all happens in
a matter of a few seconds, so just be comfortable and let
your attitude show through.)
Speak: Whether it’s “Hey!” or “Hi!” or “Ho!” or “Hello!”
greet the person with pleasing tonality. If you’re meeting
someone for the first time, get your name in first—“Hello,
I’m Joanna”—take the lead. If a handshake is appropri-
ate, it usually happens during the exchange of names.
Unfortunately, far too often, as we try to get our hands
together and try to remember to squeeze hard enough
but not too hard, sensory overload results and what our
ears hear, our brain can’t retain. This is the moment that
makes you forget the names of so many of the people you
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