Improve your professional networking skills by presenting yourself more effectively!

But it also involves developing skills such as good self-presentation, mastering your appearance and attitude, knowing how to talk about your offer in a professional way and being able to present the company in a positive light: these different qualities will then enable you to “network” effectively.

With today’s competition and economic difficulties, the process of professional networking can’t be overlooked, as it can really help you establish relationships with potential employers, managers or directors and other professionals who can share valuable advice or resources you may need in the future.

In this article, we’ll look at how to present yourself, what look and attitude to have and how to use body language effectively. We’ll also look at the importance of expressing yourself accurately and professionally, while taking into account the person you’re speaking to, when presenting yourself in what can be a wide variety of contexts.

Top tips for engaging your audience with your words

Making a good first impression is essential, whatever your environment – and of course, in business circles.

Your verbal introduction must therefore be well-crafted and punchy so that you can leave a positive impression on the people you meet.

To this end, you can start by asking the person you’re talking to a few questions about their expectations, their business or their needs: it’s classic, it’s expected, but it’s accepted by everyone.

You won’t offend anyone by doing this.

But you can also play on the surprise effect by quoting a well-known manager or an invention that has just come onto the market.

You can also make your interviewer dream by starting with a sentence like: “And if you had the opportunity to…, what would it be like for you from now on?

This is a slightly more invasive and direct way of making contact, but it has the advantage of differentiating you immediately.

In any case, you should look your interlocutor in the eye, because studies in communication psychology show that this is an important confidence factor: until you’ve finished your sentence, you don’t look down…

And while the person is asking you a question or responding to a request, you should look at them with a polite smile: this shows that you’re listening and interested in what they have to say.

Of course, words are important, as is the way you say them.

The rate and speed of speech must be controlled, but don’t forget the look, the general attitude and the control of gestures…

As for your choice of words, please don’t drown your interlocutor in a deluge of phrases and technical words: jargon has never convinced anyone, and you mustn’t try to impress your interlocutor with your knowledge or skills: humility is the key here!

And we invite you to assess frequently whether what you’re saying really carries the day, or whether the person is merely nodding politely.

Indeed, we know of several salespeople who thought that because their interlocutor nodded, it meant he was convinced by the arguments!

Never rely on the other person’s gestures, but rephrase and ask questions to make sure they understand what you’re saying.

Mastering your body language or “non-verbal” language

This is the second aspect of interpersonal communication, but it’s also fundamental: studies have shown that people are more likely to remember information conveyed by body language than by words!

Gestures can be used to emphasize key points, arouse interest, illustrate a point of view or even show empathy.

With the use of appropriate body language, you can not only convey your message more effectively, but also ensure that your presentation is more engaging and that your interlocutor is likely to trust you.

Your posture is important: your body should be straight and your shoulders square. This shows that you’re confident and comfortable with the situation. You should never appear to be slouching, even if you’re sitting in a comfortable chair.

All too often, we still see the mistake of receiving a visitor, for example on a stand at a trade show, by remaining seated: this does absolutely nothing to give a favorable impression and a warm welcome to your interlocutor!

It’s also a good idea to keep an appropriate distance from the person you’re talking to: don’t be too far away, as contact won’t be established, but on the other hand, don’t get too close to the person, as you could then symbolically “frighten” them…

If sharing explanations and then negotiating are power games, everything must be done with finesse and never under duress!

Gestures are also very important when making contact or giving a presentation: they can help make your speech more interesting and engaging.

Quiet gestures show that you’re at ease with your subject, which can help reassure your interlocutor.

You need to make sure you use your hands well, but without “overdoing it”: it’s best to use subtle, light gestures, and again, without ever letting any form of aggression show.

Finally, you need to make sure your face shows a welcoming expression: a polite but frank smile is the best way to communicate your professionalism, self-confidence and enthusiasm.

What to wear to make a good impression

Presenting yourself in a professional manner is also an important factor when dealing with others: your appearance can make a lasting impression on the person you’re talking to, so it’s important to choose the right clothes!

When deciding what to wear, it’s important to take into account the context and the audience.

But there’s one golden rule: you must always feel comfortable in your clothes.

If you never wear a suit, don’t go to a business event with a tight tie, a tight-fitting shirt and new shoes: you won’t feel very free and this will impact the strength of your presentation.

Nevertheless, business attire for a man generally includes a suit with a well-tailored jacket, dress pants and shirt.

Shoes should always be polished and in good condition.

In some contexts, a tie is appropriate.

But depending on the situation, other clothes may be more appropriate: if you’re invited to a company function, you can go with well-cut jeans and loafers.

For women, the look should never disturb the person you’re talking to.

It’s never a good idea to try to seduce at all costs with suggestive clothing: quality clothes adapted to your morphology are preferable.

As for men, you need to be comfortable with your appearance: if you can’t walk in heels, there’s no point in wearing 15 cm high pumps!

For a professional presentation, it’s important to dress in a way that conveys your credibility, competence and professionalism.

Aim for a polished, professional look by opting for classic, well-fitting clothes.

Choose soft colors such as navy blue, gray or black for pants or skirts, and avoid patterns or colors that are too bright.

As a woman, you can give your outfit a touch of pep by wearing some tasteful jewelry, but always avoid excessive make-up.

So you’ve understood from the few examples we’ve shared that making a good impression on your interlocutor, as a professional, depends on a number of factors, from your choice of words to your mastery of gestures, not forgetting a respectful yet tasteful choice of clothing.

By doing so, you give yourself every chance of ensuring that the person you’re talking to, whether a professional or a potential customer, trusts you and is convinced by your proposals, or simply by the fact of keeping in touch with you.