Five Steps to Meeting New People Written by Sadie Peterson
Whether you’re moving to a new city, a new job, or just want to expand your social circle, these five tips can help you meet new people wherever you go. 1.Talk to Everyone – after years of watching a friend meet people easily everywhere he went, I realized his secret: he talks to everyone. I don’t mean just cute mail guy, or girl walking her dog. I mean everyone. Whether it’s older lady crossing street, your new apartment manager, or drug store clerk, make it a point to say something to everyone you pass. You never know when you might have something great in common. 2.Smile – A smile is best way to let people know that you’re open to talking to them. Particularly if you find it hard to start a conversation, a smile can help you get other person to start conversation. 3.Have something to say – Okay, I know it’s corny, but you CAN talk about weather. No matter who you are or where you are, there’s something to say about weather. Living in sunny San Diego, I usually say “It’s gorgeous outside today – wish I were out there!” or something along those lines. This lets people know that you like outdoors, and that you’ve got a positive attitude. This works whether it’s raining (gee, we really needed this rain), snowing (wow, skiing will be great this year), or cloudy (it’s nice a cool out today!). Don’t want to discuss weather? Discuss a current event. Read up on latest celebrity trial, natural disaster, or scientific breakthroughs, and you’ll always have something to say. In line at grocery store, you can always comment on magazine cover stories.
| | Establish Your Credibility For Better Public Relations Written by Ana Ventura
I had a college professor one semester that was so captivating in his lectures that I was hesitant to leave when class was over. I probably would have been content to sit there and listen to him spout off about anything as long as he kept talking. He was interesting, yes, but even if he had stated that cats could talk and buildings could walk, I probably would have believed him solely based on how much I trusted and respected his knowledge.There are many aspects of public speaking that should be taken into account when incorporating speeches and presentations into a public relations campaign. One of first ones that should be considered, though, is issue of credibility. What is credibility? Well, it incorporates a lot of things, but main point to remember is that when you are credible, people are more inclined to trust you and believe that you are a reliable source of information. So how do you go about building your credibility? Well, let's take a closer look at what defines credibility. Competence: If you stand up in front of an audience and decide to talk about Darwinian logic without any sort of conception of who Darwin even was, your audience probably isn't going to believe that you have authority to be speaking on such a subject. However, if you list your information sources in your presentation along with a quote or visual aid, your audience will know that you did your research, and that you know your stuff. Other ways to show your competence is to let audience know about your educational or professional background. You don't have to sound like you're putting on airs here, because simple truth is that more work you've done in a specific area, more you will know about topic. Confidence: Looking like you are nervous and uncomfortable doesn't say much for your knowledge. It doesn't matter if you spent twenty five years living with gorillas, people aren't going to have nearly as much respect for your points about primate communication if you don't look like you have any self-assurance. Delivery packs just as much of a punch as a thorough intellect, as long as you remember that you need both to give a great presentation.
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