Smile and Your Audience Smiles With You
by Dana Bristol-Smith

You might think that a smile doesn't have anything to do with
effective communication - but you would be wrong. Think about a recent presentation that you sat through. If you are like most people, you probably had made judgments about the person presenting within the first 30-seconds of their presentation.

You probably decided a few if not all of the following things about the presenter:

• They were pleasing to look at
• You felt comfortable
• You wanted to listen
• You respected them
• They knew what they were talking about
• This was a good use of your time
• You would learn something

We have emotional, not intellectual reactions when we listen to presenters. Sometimes we don't even know why we feel a certain way, but we just do.

A real smile allows a presenter to project warmth,
sincerity, and even likability.

We are drawn to a human being who is able to project warmth. It can all start with a smile then progress to positive energy, enthusiasm, and even excitement.

We feel more comfortable with someone who is comfortable with herself, and we are much more likely to give her our time and attention.

Start with a smile in all of your communications; over the phone (the person on the other end will hear it in your voice), in person, and in your writings with a warm and friendly greeting.

About the Author
Dana Bristol-Smith is the founder of Speak for Success, an organization that works with companies that want their people to communicate with confidence and credibility. You can email Dana at:dana@speakforsuccess.net

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