Joanna Parris

Have you ever found yourself in the awkward position of being tongue-tied and totally nervous because you were not sure who to introduce to whom? You feel totally insecure because both these personalities are VIP's in their own right; one is your boss and the other is head of another large company....But, everything you every heard about or learnt about introduction etiquette suddenly flew out of the "etiquette filing system" in your brain.

When you find yourself in such a situation; unless you are a great actor; several things happen - you lose yourself confidence; your facial expression changes; your posture appears less upright and your voice either raises a pitch or two or becomes inaudible.

The more confident you are when making introductions the more comfortable everyone around you will feel. To avoid feeling awkward or embarrassed and assist you in making introductions in a poised and polished fashion, here are some Business Introduction Etiquette guidelines:

Self Introductions: - When introducing yourself, include your first and last name; always add your title, such as office manager, if you have one; and your company's name and respond in a formal matter. Avoid saying "hi" it sounds too immature for business and saying "hello" is never enough. To appear more businesslike when you say "hello" say the other person's name, "hello, Jim Green, it is a pleasure meeting you."

Gender: - All business introductions are based on power and precedence. The person who holds the highest position in an organization takes the precedence over others who work there. Gender does not affect the order of introduction.

Rank: - The person with the highest rank in the company (President, CEO, etc) receives the person of lesser rank. Here is an example of an often used but incorrect form of introduction - "Mr. /Ms. Highest Rank, may I introduce You To Mr. /Ms. Lesser Rank." Using "introduce you to" reverses the order of precedence.

The proper way to make this introduction would be as follows: "Mr. /Ms. Highest Rank, may I introduce To You Mr. /Ms. Lesser Rank."

If the two words (to you; you to) are confusing, you may leave them out and instead simply say "Mr. /Ms. Highest Rank, may I introduce Mr. /Ms. Lesser Rank."

Forms of Address: - It is important to know the titles of people you are introducing. The offices are too numerous to go into within this article, but the following web page Protocol & Forms of Address will assist you in using the correct form of address.

Family Introductions: Never refer to your wife or husband as Mr. / Mrs. If your last name is known to everyone, all you need to say is "Tom, my husband," or "Mary, my wife." If a woman has a different last name from that of her husband, she should mention her husband's last name when introducing him. Clarify the relationship of your family member. Example: "Carl Pencil, I'd like to introduce Frank Vase, my brother."

Honorific: Never give yourself an honorific in an introduction. It is however considered proper etiquette to use honorifics in business, even if you know the other person on a personal level.

Focus: - Look at each person as you say their name. This draws attention to the individual and makes him or her feel important - while you look in control. Give a brief synopsis about each person that you introduce; this helps to make for easier opening conversations.

Good manners: If you forget a person's name, kindly apologize and ask them to repeat their name. This act of graciousness says that you would like to know their name and is much more courteous than avoiding them all together.

Always stand when you meet someone, and when you shake someone's hand. This also applies when saying goodbye. Gender does not play a role in business etiquette. Professional women undermine their credibility when they remain seated to shake hands or greet someone. Make sure you shake hands with everyone in a group - not just those that you know. Making proper introductions not only strengthens your credibility, it gives you more authority.

Joanna Parris, CSP is a Certified Home Staging Expert; President, Durham Chapter - RESA (Real Estate Staging Association); member of SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) and certified Senior Move Manager (cSMM) - she can be reached at Joanna@effectivestaging.com

You are a walking billboard for your image, and as a result, assumptions are made about you without your even saying a word. Your appearance - from the way you dress, walk, talk, your level of confidence, and your posture are keys to not only how you see and feel about yourself, but also how others see you. When you look good, you naturally feel more confident and happy; you tend to radiate an aura of positive energy which becomes contagious and magnetic. Others will be drawn to you and respond with the same positive energy that you project.

Various research studies have shown that impressions about a person are formed in the first few seconds of interaction. Here are five quick and effective steps you can take to immediately enhance your image and help you to make positive, lasting impressions.

•1. Posture: Good posture makes you look taller and slimmer and gives you an air of confidence. Stand straight, with your head up and your shoulders back, but maintain a relaxed air. If you are too ram-rod straight you will appear rigid.

•2. Clothing: Undergarments, by wearing well fitting underwear your clothes fall more smoothly from your body. Quality undergarments help to lift and shape your body. Your Outer wear should be flattering, well tailored, and appropriate for the occasion. Make sure there are no rips, stains or missing buttons. Shirt collars should be free of stains and tears; ties should be long enough to touch the top of your belt; belts should be in good condition.

•3. Accessories: Pay attention to the number, size and quality of accessories that you wear. If you over accessorize you will look a little eccentric (if that is your intention, that's okay), but to achieve a polished look, then less is more.

•4. Greetings: Make and hold eye contact (in a friendly manner) for a few seconds, with the person with whom you are speaking; smile and say something pleasant. Be relaxed; do not play the "who blinks first" game. When shaking hands: make sure your grip is firm but not uncomfortably strong.

•5. Finishing Touches: Shoes are an important part of your ensemble; they should be clean and un-scuffed, and heels should be even - not worn down. Bags and Briefcases should be in good condition, and not over stuffed. Nails should be clean and free of hangnails. Your hair should be well coiffed. Beards should be neat and trimmed. Your breath should be fresh and your hygiene impeccable.

Bonus: Be congruent, let your manners, behavior and speech match the way you look.

Joanna Parris, CSP is a Certified Home Staging Expert; President, Durham Chapter - RESA (Real Estate Staging Association); member of SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) and certified Senior Move Manager (cSMM) - she can be reached at Joanna@effectivestaging.com

It would have been so much easier....If you were prepared. Being able to speak confidently in everyday conversations helps to build your confidence and prepare you for speaking to larger groups. At some point in your career or life you will be called upon to make a speech or present to a group of your peers, friends or family. Mostly you will be given an opportunity to prepare but sometimes you will be caught off guard with an impromptu request, how you present your information can enhance your career and raise your credibility.

Speaking with confidence can be daunting, but it does not have to be a problem for you if you follow these suggestions. You will appear more confident and credible:

1. Use proper English - You will sound smarter and more confident; slang is great for friendly conversation but it does not help you to speak with confidence.

2. Diction - Enunciate and speak well. Practice makes perfect - if practiced perfectly.

3. Eye contact - This shows confidence and makes the other person or persons know you are serious. Try not to blink too much - constant blinking can be interpreted as either you are insecure or you are being untruthful.

4. Be in control - If you are comfortable with yourself and your topic you will be in control of your presentation.

5. Know your material - Learn all you can about your topic and anticipate questions, for which you would already know the answers. (If you are asked a question for which you do not have an answer, be honest - promise to find the answer; Do So and follow up with it)

6. The 3-second rule - Before you respond to a question, take 3 seconds to digest the question and give some thought to your response.

7. Be congruent - Make sure your body language and speech patterns match. If your topic is serious, but you keep smiling or laughing, your audience will be confused, unsure and may become uncomfortable.

Practice speaking in front of a mirror, practice with people with whom you are comfortable; use every conversation as an opportunity to grow your craft. The more you practice the more proficient you will become....and, it will be so much easier IF you are prepared.

Joanna Parris, CSP is a Certified Home Staging Expert; President, Durham Chapter - RESA (Real Estate Staging Association); member of SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) and certified Senior Move Manager (cSMM) - she can be reached at Joanna@effectivestaging.com

It would have been easy....If you had decided earlier in the year that you were indeed going to celebrate in style; but because the climate was so unsettled you did not make any plans. Suddenly you have several invitations that you have to honour and of course you need to look your best at each event. The question therefore arises how do you accomplish this feat when you are totally unprepared?

The answer is simpler that you thought, and best of all you don't have to spend any money. To put together your party wardrobe - go shopping in your closet. With a little planning you will be able to put together several outfits to suit each occasion.

Steps to building your party wardrobe, from your closet:

1. Check your invitations - What time of day and what are the dress codes required for each event. Make a note of the number of events and the type of attire necessary; this will give an idea of how many outfits you need to build.
2. Shopping time - Carve out 45 minutes or more depending on your schedule and the size of your wardrobe - make sure that you are not interrupted.
3. Trousers/Skirts - Select 2/3 good pair of dress trousers in black, brown or grey; along with a great pair of black jeans.
4. Tops - Identify a minimum of five tops and a sweater set that can be worn with the trousers and skirts. Vary the style, fabric and colours of the tops.
5. Foot works - Comfort is key for long evenings, and a lot of standing, so choose dressy shoes and boot jeans that are not only good looking but comfortable.
6. Coordinating garments - Put together the tops that can be worn with the trousers and skirts; identify which shoes can be worn with which outfits.
7. Accessories - Get out your baubles, beads, bangles, broaches, pins, earrings and scarves. When adding accessories remember a flashy top does not need to be over accessorized; also your hairstyle will determine what earrings and other accessories you will need.
8. Makeup - Use make up to compliment the outfit you are wearing, well applied and subtle usually makes more of an impact.
9. Scent - A hint of fragrance is sexy (too much can be a turn off).

Bonus outfit - That little black dress, with the right makeup, and accessories, you will steal the spotlight.

Place your coordinated outfits together in one area of your dresser, hang the accessories in bags next to the outfits for easier access. Now you are ready to make your entrance with ease and style...and best of all you know exactly what you can choose from and you have not spent a penny - Enjoy your parties!

Joanna Parris, CSP is a Certified Home Staging Expert; President, Durham Chapter - RESA (Real Estate Staging Association); member of SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) and a certified Senior Move Manager (cSMM) - she can be reached at joanna@effectivestaging.com