Presentation Skills Training - Why Is Mona Lisa Smiling?

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Why is Mona Lisa smiling? She may know something that you don't.

 

An important insight is hidden in this art classic. A smile is one of the strongest weapons in the arsenal of presentation skills.

 

After all, there are still long lines out the museum of people waiting to see the Mona Lisa. Don't you wish you had clients lining up to see you?

 

A smile may be the most important thing you can do in business presenting. It doesn't cost extra. It doesn't require a requisition form. It makes people enjoy your company. And it can be the single reason why people like to do business with you.

 

All in a smile.

 

Check this out for yourself. Do you like to do business with a company where employees are grumpy and uptight? Do you like going into a store where no one smiles? Of course not!

 

Just last week, I saw this first hand. A new market opened up the road. It is filled with friendly, smiling staff. Everyone seems delighted to be working there. Everyone in the entire shop appears very happy and attentive.

 

From the produce clerk, to the deli counter, to the cashier. Everyone smiled. And they meant it. I didn't have the feeling that anyone was 'faking it' or just putting on their game face.

 

I was blow away. On the spot, I vowed to come back and shop at this market again and again.

 

A little later in the week, I needed to pick up a quart of milk. I stopped by a different local store in the neighborhood. I was shocked at what I saw and felt.

 

This store was dark and dank. One employee stood outside smoking. Another was absorbed in reading a magazine. Not a single person smiling.

 

I didn't remember it being so bad. But by comparison with the new market, the difference was alarming.

 

You know what? I walked out. Who cares about a quart of milk? I want smiles.

 

There's a lot of classic advice about 'putting on your game face' when you are in front of clients and prospects. I don't agree that this is the best way to proceed.

 

A game face may also be a mask. Instead of being authentic, you're putting on a mask. Much like classic Greek actors used to do.

 

Rather than posing as happy, why not take a more direct approach? Why not get happy? Smile because you feel good. Smile because you have the chance to communicate. Smile because you have the opportunity to connect and make a difference.

 

Don't allow the ultimate conclusion of your presentation to be the only reason you smile. This is narrow thinking to let 'making a sale' or 'landing a deal' be the only reason to smile. Smile because you are alive and in the flow of energetic commerce. Smile because you can talk to other people. Smile because you mean it.

 

Then guess what happens? People can tell. They'll get a good feeling by being around you. You're sunny, approachable and friendly. You're a pleasure to do business with.

 

This is a true recipe to win more business. Now, there's something you can smile about!

 

A smile attracts clients and makes you more approachable. With a small focus on positive delivery skills, you can expect to see a dramatic improvement in your business results.