Looking and sounding powerful, roar!

"7 Ways to Look and Sound Powerful" an article in Women's Health from November 2012 has tips for all of us ladies on how to appear and act powerful in business. Let's see what they had to note on-

"You know a woman with power when you see we, don't you? She has a certain aura around her. Over the years, I've been able to meet a number of women who have a lot of power in their jobs-Hollywood Studios Presidents, for instance, and US Senators. I once even had the privilege of hosting a luncheon at the White House with the First Lady Hilary Rodman Clinton. Talk about a woman with aura. When you radiate strength through your physical actions, such as body language and your voice, you signal to those around you that you are the person in charge and you deserve respect. As you gain coincidence over time, you'll naturally begin to come across with more authority.  Some tips to get you started:

1.    Watch your posture. “Slouching whether you’re sitting or standing gives the impression that you’re weak and insecure” says Lillian Glass, P D, a body-language and communications expert.

2.    When you are having a conversation, position your body so that your toes are pointing at the other person. It shows that you aren’t intimidated.

3.    When you’re talking to someone, hold the other person’s gaze. Powerful people make you feel as though you’re the only person in the room.

4.    Go deep with your voice. “Deeper voices just seem stronger. Squeeze down on your abs when you speak to assure your pitch is low” said Glass and recommended that you modulate your voice so that it’s not too soft (you’ll seem weak) or too loud (you’ll seem desperate for attention). You don’t want to speak monotone though. Stress descriptive words so you sound enthusiastic.

5.    Lose the uptalk. That’s when your pitch goes up at the end of sentences and you sound uncertain of what you’re saying.

6.    Smile less, nod less. These are ways we connect with a speaker. Both sexes smile and nod to people who are more powerful than they are, but studies show that women tend to smile and nod more to peers. It’s nice that we connect so well with others, but too much smiling can make you seem needy to please.

7.    Never let them see you sweat. No matter how rattled you feel in a particular situation, do your best to keep cool.

I can’t say I entirely agree with this article, but it does not some good points. You should always present yourself as being sure and confident. The moment you don’t, watch out! You’re like the last kid in dodge ball! I do agree with the posture, losing the uptalk, never let them see you sweat and how to position your body while talking to someone. These are important key communication factors you should always present. You never know when you are going to end up in the elevator with a VP you have never met before so I say smile and be nice to all. You never know when that one time you’re rude can come back and bit you in the you know where!