Did you ever notice this?

You're having a "high stakes" conversation with someone, like a job interview, or a salary negotiation, or a tense discussion with a friend.

And although it all started so well, there comes a point when you realize that the vibe has changed and the entire conversation has been derailed.

Solid body language is a game changer.

It alters the way others perceive you – it makes people respect you more, trust you more, and value more, by increasing your perceived status.

But a lot of folks have it completely wrong.

Here's a common interview situation you might have experienced too, especially if you're a more experienced candidate:

(What I'm about to share matters with every other high-stakes meeting you might face as well.)

So – you're sitting patiently in the lobby, waiting for the interviewer to come down and meet you, skimming through the company magazine perhaps.

Let’s say you can have your dream job right now if you can answer this question. Why you?

A lot of people imagine what it feels like to be working their dream job but don’t consider what it would take to get there.  

Imagine your dream job. Go ahead and do it now. Picture in your mind your ideal role and visualize sitting across from the hiring manager in an interview.

Today, I'd like to share a story.

It's about a woman I used to know many years ago.

Even today it still makes me sad, and even a little angry. I've changed the names (just in case she's reading this!), but this story is one of the reasons why I decided to devote my life to helping folks get the jobs they deserve.

Have you heard of the phrase “irons in the fire” ?

I'm a big believer of this concept.

In other words, creating as many real opportunities for yourself as possible. Not "resumes submitted", but positions where you are under serious consideration. That way, if a job offer falls through or if you experience bad luck in the interview, you can dust yourself off and walk into the next opportunity confident.

We’ve all experienced it.

You’re sharing an idea at a meeting, but people are talking over you and ignoring what you’re saying. Then, just 15 mins later – as you stare in silent disbelief – someone else suggests the same idea, everyone loves it, and you never get the credit.

Why does this happen?

Let’s talk about the power of body language.

Body language is an inseparable part of communication for all of us. Yet few people ever discover how to speak and read body language effectively.

This is unfortunate because we all communicate with our bodies (whether we’re aware of it in the moment or not) and it can affect the outcome of almost any social interaction.

We've all been in situations like this:
            
You're in a meeting, or you're at a workshop/seminar, and nobody yet knows anyone. You're all strangers. Yet, there are certain people who, somehow, are able to command attention and get respected right away.
            
They're not the loudest.

Do you like new ideas? Do you get excited excited by the newest trends? This is all good except when these ideas are getting in the way of your long term goals.

Maybe you've heard about "shiny object syndrome".

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a job seeker, this is something everyone is susceptible to a greater or lesser extent.