Talking the Winner's Way

Don't flash an immediate smile when you greet someone. Instead, look to the other person's face for a second. Pause. Soak in their persona. Then let a bid, warm, responsive smile flood over your face and overflow into your eyes. It will engulf the recipient like a warm wave. The split-second delay convinces people your flooding smile is genuine and only for them.

Pertend your eyes are glued to your Conversation Partner's with sticky warm taffy. Don't break eye contact even after he or she has finished speaking. When you must look away, do it ever so slowly, reluctantly, stretching the gooey taffy until the tiny string finally breaks.

This brazen technique packs a powerful punch. Watch your target even when someone else is talking. No matter who is speaking, keep looking at the man or women you want to impact.

Sometimes using full Epoxy Eyes is too potent, so here is a gentler, yet effective, form: Watch the speaker but let your glance bounce to your target each time the speaker finishes a point. This way Mr. or Ms. Target still feels you are intrigued by his or her reactions, yet there is a relief from the intensity.

Visualize a circus iron-jaw bit hanging from the frame of every door you walk through. Take a bite and, with it firmly between your teeth, let it swoop you to the peak of the big top. When you Hang by Your Teeth, every muscle is stretched into perfect posture position.

You are now ready to float into the room to captivate the crowd or close the sale (or maybe just settle for looking like the most important Somebody in the room).

Give everyone you meet the Big-Baby Pivot. The instant the two of you are introduced, reward your new acquaintance. Give the warm smile, the total-body turns, and the undivided attention you would give a tiny tyke who is crawled up at your feet, turned into a precious face up to yours, and beamed a big toothless grin. Pivoting 100 percent toward New Person shouts, "I think you are very, very special."

When meeting someone, imagine he or she is an old friend (an old customer, an old beloved, or someone else you had great affection for). How sad, the vicissitudes of life tore you two asunder. But, holy mackerel, now the party (the meeting, the convention) has reunited you with your long-lost old friend!

The joyful experience starts a remarkable chain reaction in your body from the subconscious softening of your eyebrows to the positioning of your toes--and everything in between.

Whenever your conversation really counts, let your nose itch, your ear tingle, or your foot prickle. Do not fidget, twitch, wiggle, squirm, or scratch. And above all, keep your paws away from your puss. Hand motions near your face and all fidgeting can give your listener the gut feeling you're fibbing.

Make it a habit to go on a dual track while talking. Express yourself, but keep a keen eye on how your listener is reacting to what you're saying. Then plan accordingly. If a horse can do it, so can a human. People will say you pick up everything. You never miss a trick. You've got horse sense.

Rehearse being the Super Somebody you want to be ahead of time. SEE yourself walking around with Hang by Your Teeth posture, haking hands, smiling the Flooding Smile, and making Stickey Eyes, HEAR yourself chatting comfortably with everyone. FEEL the pleasure of knowing you are in peck form and everyone is gravitating toward you. VISUALIZE yourself a Super Somebody. Then it all happens automatically.