5 Things to Do That Guarantee You'll be Ignored

5 Things to Do That Guarantee You'll be Ignored
Author: Susan Harrow

1. Make excuses.

When you apologize, make excuses, mumble, or indicate hesitation before introducing an idea you immediately put yourself at a disadvantage. This isn't the time to say you're sorry. Save that for when you've really pulled a boner. Start your sentence with a strong, clear thought. Think of these first words as the headline that prepares your audience for the fascinating information to come.

2. Let yourself be interrupted.

Let yourself be interrupted and you've just been put into a one- down position. Insist on being heard by putting your hand up like a stop sign or by saying the person's name, then, *Just a moment,* and continue right away until you've finished your thought. People will respect the fact that you think your thoughts are important enough to be listened to. If you respect yourself you get respect in return.

3. Scrunch in your body.

Don't become the incredible shrinking woman. Take up as much space as possible (that feels comfortable without being obvious). Opening your body posture and then spreading out in a relaxed fashion indicates you are vulnerable and powerful, not afraid of attack. Put your arms on the chair's arms or sling them over the back of your chair or the chair next to you. Sit up straight. Assume that you already possess power and stature.

4. Ramble.

Powerful people use less words. Their audience takes those few words to be of big import. Out of respect please organize your thoughts ahead of time, even if it's just for a few seconds in your own mind. People will want to listen to you versus being tempted to tune out. Many people talk *stream of consciousness* which can be interpreted as thoughtless and hard to follow. We've all tried to comprehend someone who is *thinking out loud.* An important meeting, media or job interview isn't the time to do it. You want people to say, *Aha! I get the point* versus, *Where the heck is he going with this?*

5. Rush.

Powerful people speak more slowly. They aren't afraid of interruption. If they are interrupted they may just stare a person down. Non-verbal communication can be more effective than verbal communication in certain circumstances. I used the silence method frequently when I taught high school in the mission district of San Francisco where many gang kids kept knives in their boots for protection. If a student began to talk when I or another student was speaking, I'd just stop and look at him until he stopped. It didn't take long for that behavior to cease.

Follow these five points and you'll command respect and gain interest from your audience, whoever they are.

Copyright (c) 2006 by Susan Harrow. All rights reserved.

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Susan Harrow is a top media coach, marketing strategist and author. Learn more about getting good press and self-promotion to gain publicity for your business, product or cause in *Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul*(HarperCollins) www.prsecrets.com.