HOW TO ACE ANY MEETING

And my personal favorite - answer the question! Listen, literally listen to what is being asked, then when you are 1000% sure that you understand the question, then and only then formulate the answer. Don't assume that you know what is being asked? Many time the answer that is given doesn't relate, at all to the question that was asked - the result - if I'm interviewing, you will not get the job! It's as simple as that. If you cannot listen at an interview, how on earth are you going to listen to what I am saying/asking/instructing when the chips are on the table!

How to ace any meeting

(July 16 2007 at 09:49AM)

1. Location, location

The survey shows that 65% of us sit next to our closest ally in stressful situations. But business psychologist Carol Rothwell says sitting opposite them is better. "Looking at a friendly face encourages you to be confident and perform to your best ability." Direct 50% of your attention to the boss, and sit upright. Sloping back indicates a lack of conviction in what you're saying; sloping forward is aggressive.

2. Cut the waffle

"It's vital to say your piece with authority using clear, precise words," says business psychologist Barbra Worembrand. "Before the meeting talk through major points with a close friend. Get them to note down how many times you say, 'sort of', "kind of' and 'I feel'; all words that sound waffley. Never start a sentence with, 'This is probably a bad idea but...' Believe in what you're saying or don't say it at all."

3. Be memorable

"Don't use all your ideas at the start of a meeting," says David Kean, author of How Not To Come Second (Cyan Communications, R182), "Otherwise people remember the weaker ones you end with. Finish with a punch, like a great anecdote that demonstrates your point. And practise sentences like, 'The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog', which moves your mouth's muscles, making speech clear and confident."

4. And breathe...

The average woman uses 20 000 words a day to express herself, while a man uses 7 000. "Women speak until they're short of breath," says Carol, "And men speak with their breath, so they use fewer words that have more impact. Slow down by pausing for two seconds at the end of each sentence. It'll give you time to gather your thoughts - and what you do say will leave a more powerful impression.