Bearing creates a mindset
Exercise – Your observations about you and your posture
Before you go into a room, take a deep breathe, throw your shoulders back and walk in. Look around at the people. Is anyone looking at you? Shhhh…don’t say a word to anyone other than a nod when someone recognizes you. Observe what is happening.
Ask yourself
Do you I like the out come? Yes No Do I like how I feel? Yes No Do I sense the stronger people in the room moving towards me?
Yes No Did I get a head nod from someone I don’t know?
Yes No
I am aware of other people who have bad posture?
Yes No I am aware of the people in the room who are not standing as straight as I am? Yes No
- What are your perceptions about the people who are standing with poor posture?
- What are their capabilities?
- What are your perceptions about the people who are standing with poor posture? What are their capabilities?
- Take a moment right now—sit up or stand tall. Notice how it makes you feel.
- How does your posture affect your mindset and confidence?
- Let me know in the comments!
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
Sound as Good as You Look
Trade shows can showcase your talent and brand but shouldn’t cost you your voice.
Think Fast, Speak Smart
When someone tosses a tough question your way, your brain might go blank before your mouth opens. That’s normal—but it’s not permanent. The trick is to pause with purpose, not panic. The repeat-pause-answer method lets you buy time...
Social Savvy
Elegant events aren’t just about the wine and the lighting they’re where lasting professional connections begin. With confidence, curiosity, and a graceful goodbye, you can turn any gala or awards night into an opportunity for genuine rapport.
Sweat Palms
Swap sweaty palms for confident handshakes.
Tell Me More
A few months ago, I watched a young designer at a networking event nervously circle the coffee station. She rehearsed “So, what do you do?” at least four times before finally approaching a woman from a major firm. Five minutes later, they were laughing...
The Conversation
Because small talk isn’t small at all. It’s where big things begin.
Power of Story Telling
The Power of Storytelling in Your Presentations Make the client the hero.Your presentation isn’t just about showcasing your design genius it’s about inviting the client into their own success story. When they can see themselves living in the space you’re describing,...
I never think about my posture and I’m sure that is why my back hurts a lot of the time but after reading your post I’m been trying to stand up straighter and look people in the eye when walking into a room. Thank you for sharing.
Since I am tall, my parents were very insistent about me standing up straight. They sent me to modeling school, dance, everything to keep me standing tall!
Their rationale was that I was still going to be tall even if I slumped, just then people would think that I was embarrassed or ashamed and trying to hide if i slumped.
Great reminder!
I find that my posture differs depending on who I am with. Usually,I stand up tall, but in a crowd of people I feel as if I need to bend a bit. Protect myself maybe? I’ll be more conscious about what you have written.
Usually, I find myself standing straight and tall. However, when I am with people I don’t know, I tend to bend a bit. Make myself small. Protection maybe? I’ll be more aware in the future.