A Suitable Solution Presents
Sara Canuso
Sara@ASuitableSolution.com
What Percentage of Communication
Is Non-Verbal?
90% or more!
First impressions hard-wired
Personal Branding:
Present a Consistent Picture of You.

Tells others who you are

Helps others know what you stand for

Communicates your reputation

Tells people thay can trust you

Creates Relationship Capital
Relationship Capital:
The measurement of your reputation

Confidence

Likeability

Respect

Honesty

Trust
Trust is why
people recommend
you to others
Personal Branding:
bare arms and sweaters …
Personal Branding:
hats for over 50 years …
Personal Branding: Making the world
safe for the pantsuit!
Personal Branding: ties since 1988
Remember:
First impressions hard-wired
Posture
Brisk, erect walk — Confidence

Walk with purpose and
enthusiasm

Do not hide your hands.
Hiding your hands sends
a message you cannot
be trusted, or you have
something to hide
Handshake

Wash hands before going into
a meeting

Keep your palms open until
it is time to shake hands;
fists generate heat and sweat

Carry a tissue in your pocket
to wipe your hands if needed
Here are a few tips on handshakes
and what message they may convey:
All-American

Used by most leaders, executives
and lawyers

Includes direct eye contact, a
smile and two to three pumps

Communicates
confidence, command
and professionalism
Here are a few tips on handshakes
and what message they may convey:
Twister

Takes your hand and twists so they can be on top
with their palms toward the floor

Someone who feels
they are going to
take control
Here are a few tips on handshakes
and what message they may convey:
Lingering

This can mean openness

Firm shake, two to three
pumps and a pause before
your hand is released
Here are a few tips on handshakes
and what message they may convey:
Dead Fish

Cold, clammy and indifferent

Passive or apathetic
Facial Expressions
Facial Expressions
Gestures
Eye Contact
Tone of Voice
BODY LANGUAGE: Nonverbal
Communication – Possible Interpretations

Arms crossed on chest; can
also be a sign of disagreement

Closed fists; can also be a sign
of nervousness

Sitting with a leg over the arm
of a chair; can also be a sign
of indifference

Crossed legs; moving of the
crossed leg in a slight kicking
motion signifies boredom or
impatience
BODY LANGUAGE: Nonverbal
Communication – Possible Interpretations

Touching, slightly rubbing nose — Doubt, lying

Rubbing the eye — Doubt, disbelief

Hands clasped behind back — Frustration

Locked ankles — Apprehension
BODY LANGUAGE: Nonverbal
Communication – Possible Interpretations

Looking down, face turned away — Disbelief

Biting nails — Insecurity, Nervousness

Pulling or tugging at ear — Indecision
BODY LANGUAGE:
Nonverbal Communication
Boredom

Drumming on table

Tapping with feet

Head in hand

Doodling

Swinging of crossed feet

Head resting on hand,
eyes downcast
BODY LANGUAGE:
Nonverbal Communication
Nervousness

Clearing throat

Tugging at ear

“Whew” sound

Clenched fist

Whistling

Wringing of the hands

Smoking cigarettes


Fidgeting in a chair
Playing with pencils,
notebooks, or placing
eyeglasses in mouth

Tugging at pants while
sitting

Frequent touching of self
while speaking to others

Jingling money in
pockets

Swinging of crossed feet
BODY LANGUAGE:
Nonverbal Communication
Openness

Open hands with palms
upward

A man, who is open or
friendly and feels
agreement is near, will
unbutton his coat and
then take it off

Arms and legs not crossed
BODY LANGUAGE:
Nonverbal Communication
Evaluation

Hand-to-cheek gestures; an interested
person’s body leans forward and his
head slightly tilts

A critical evaluation is given when the
hand is brought to the face, the chin is
in the palm, the index finger is extended
along the cheek, and the remaining fingers
are positioned below the mouth

A tilted head is a definite sign of interest

Stroking the chin indicates a thinking or evaluation
process
BODY LANGUAGE:
Nonverbal Communication
Honesty

Right hand over heart

Palms uplifted

Looking the person in the eye
when speaking

Touching gestures
(also indicates anchoring)
BODY LANGUAGE:
Nonverbal Communication
Confidence

Steepling (hands or arms brought
together to form a church steeple)

Hands joined together at waist
behind back

Feet placed up on desk

Elevating oneself
Communicate with Color

Color can be a very powerful business tool.
Here are a few rules for controlling
what you say with colors
Communicate with Color
Navy or Navy Pinstripe

Always worn when you want
a commanding presence,

When meeting a client for
the first time

When conducting a meeting of
partners and senior managers

To a banquet in recognition of
you or a colleague
Communicate with Color
Charcoal Gray or Charcoal Pinstripe

Wear when meeting for
financial settlements

Pushing for policy changes

Visiting with a potential
client for the second time
Communicate with Color
Black/White

Wear on detail days at the office

A casual day at the office for staff

At the end of the week
Communicate with Color
Earth tones

Wear when visiting an
unhappy client

Meeting with your team
Communicate with Color
Blue/Gray

Wear when visiting a client
out of town

When meeting in the company
over administrative details

Any day you are not sure
what to wear
What’s so casual about
your future?
Defining Business Casual
Business Casual

Business casual is
crisp, neat, and
should look
appropriate ...
Business Casual
...even for a chance
meeting with the CEO
Business Casual

Remove your jacket

Look professional and
comfortable

You should be able to
meet with clients at
a moments notice
Summary

Up to 90% of communication is nonverbal

Build your personal brand

Trust is why people will recommend you

Dress for confidence

Watch body language in others to
measure your effectiveness
Sara Canuso
Thank you!