Welcome to my first newsletter for the New Year. I hope you all Shine in 09. Shining bright on the world stage is of course Barack Obama the newly inaugurated 44th President of the United States. According to former Australian Prime Minister, Paul Keating in an article in The Australian, one of the attributes that sets Obama apart is his poise.
What is poise? How can we get it? Please read further on the topic of Presidential Poise.
Keep Shining!
Managing Director,
Shine Communications
Professional Development
Presidential Poise
What is poise? According to various dictionaries it means calm self-assured dignity, ease of manner and assurance, especially in dealing with social situations. Also, a graceful controlled way of standing, moving or performing in action. Equilibrium, a stable state of balance. Going further into the Thesaurus these words and phrases come up also, mental poise, intelligence and wisdom.
Poise is a very desirable personal brand attribute. Here are a few tips to help you include and exude this trait into your personal brand.
Self confidence. Displaying self-confidence and self-assurance is easier said than done. However, a leader or someone in control shows re-assurance to others. They take an interest, listen and make the first move to initiate conversation, putting other people at ease. Obama uses encouraging words of hope and a future to look forward to. He has a warm, genuine smile. His words, actions and manner are comforting and reassuring.
Speak well with composure. Not all of us need or have the opportunity to make a public speech. If we did we could certainly learn many lessons form Obama. Most importantly to be well prepared and well practiced. I’m certain he didn’t write a few notes on the back of his hand and just “wing it”. In fact he has been learning the craft of public speaking for many years and so can you. Even if you just speak up in meetings or conference calls being at ease in these situations is the sign of control and confidence.
Having a powerful, persuasive voice helps. Again this trait can be developed through being aware of what your voice sounds like, eliminating the ums and ahhs, you knows and perhaps getting some voice coaching.
Well mannered. A leader of Obama’s calibre has impeccable manners. He mixes with the well-to-do, moneyed people of Washington who helped fund his campaign. He will also deal with Kings and Queens and Heads of State and will do so with courtesy and stateliness. A Commander in Chief of a country or perhaps just You Inc. understands and displays correct business and social protocol.
Carriage and demeanour. Obama wears clothes well. Of course so does First Lady Michelle Obama who will grace covers of magazines for years to come. They both choose classic and elegant styles. Mr Obama is more conservative and classic befitting his role while Mrs Obama adds a stylish twist to her dressing. They both show great posture walking tall and with dignity. Yes they both have great figures, but no matter what your size or shape, dressing well is a skill that can be learned and should be practiced.
Cool. What makes someone cool or have charisma? Perhaps this is an elusive quality. But I think it’s about being a leader that people want to follow no matter what field of endeavour. It is standing out in a fresh, modern way with a sense of calmness and composure. What do you think? Share your thoughts on poise by posting a comment on the Sue Currie blog.
Shine Services
Can poise be taught? We can certainly be more aware of our own personal brand and how we come across to others. One way of doing this is to undertake a personal branding consultation.
Our personal branding consultation is a process that exposes and nurtures your uniqueness, positive qualities, strengths, skills and passions so that these qualities emerge into a focused, differentiated, specifically targeted brand. A well-conceived personal brand articulated through your Signature Statement defines what you stand for and the value you bring in a unique and compelling way.
The outcome of your personal branding session is that you walk away with a clearer definition of who you are, what you stand for and the value you bring to others. If you are ready to Shine in 09, click here for more information or call Sue Currie now on 1300 855 102 to make a booking or inquiry.
In House Workshop
Perhaps your team needs some poise. We can work with your high-potentials one-on-one or conduct an in-house workshop. Find out more about our personal branding, personal presence and protocol in-house workshops. Workshop modules can be customised to suit your needs. Click here for more information or call Sue Currie now on 1300 855 102 to make a booking or inquiry.
What People Say
Your style was warm, engaging and credible and you delivered excellently to our brief of raising awareness of the importance of image and personal brand in today’s workplace. Participant feedback was very positive with comments like, "Great. Left me wanting more, “a great reminder on how to stand out and show your brand.” Was great to get feedback on how my peers see me.” R. W., Cerebos
Thanks Sue for being an inspiration to me; I look forward to a confident future. C.D. Reckitt Benckiser
Sue lives by her brand…she ‘shines’! Great, practical, positive suggestions delivered with pizzazz. All achievable goals which is important. C. B. Optus
Sue’s presentation was very professional and useful for all business types. Sue was compassionate and understanding about branding issues and communicated effectively to the team. L.O. Nova IT
Shine News
Keep an eye out for the April edition of Cosmopolitan (out March) which features a story and example of a one-on-one personal branding consultation I did recently.
Listen in or read transcript of an interview with Phil Dobbie of Business Talk Australila on Standing Out is not a Soft Skill.
Read further an article on manners and the business lunch.
Special offer to you as a kick start to the New Year. For the first 10 people (Australia only) who refer 5 friends or more to Shine Communications through this link Refer A Friend you will receive a copy of Apprentice to Business ACE – your inside-out guide to personal branding. It’s valued at $34.95 so act now to make sure you receive one free.
Shine Communications Consultancy
T: 1300 855 102
E: sue@shinecomms.com.au
W: www.shinecomms.com.au
W: suecurrie.com.au