Speak First Blog | IMPACT & INFLUENCE
Getting ahead in negotiations: Reading and controlling body language
The most skilled poker players can win even when they’re holding a terrible hand. That’s because they know how to read their opponents’ body language and control their own. They’ll pick up on the ...
Read moreThe impact of Gravitas and Levitas: When to project strength or warmth
You’re always making an impression. The way you walk, talk and act all build a picture in people’s minds. The first impression you make is important in the way people think of you and react to you, ...
10 reasons you might find it hard to say 'no'
It’s never nice to hear the word ‘no’. It represents everything from rejection, to failure to missing out. Sometimes it comes as a surprise and sometimes it’s expected, but it’s rarely the answer ...
6 Steps to raising your internal profile
Imagine that you are a senior partner and you have been asked to decide who in the office deserves a promotion. Who do you choose? Do you pick someone who is already on your radar, or are you going ...
How to make an impact in meetings
Meetings can be a great opportunity to sit down and talk to staff, managers, clients and colleagues that you may not usually have time to. Some meetings might be a group discussion and some might be ...
Gravitas: What it is and how it can help you be more successful, influential and charismatic
Some people have an authority, a presence, that’s often called gravitas. It is defined as “Seriousness and importance of manner, causing feelings of respect and trust in others.”
Refusing requests – saying ‘No’
At Speak First the summer break is well and truly over. For those of you who work in L&D and HR you’ll no doubt be gearing up for a very busy autumn period and the pressure that can come with ...
10 Assertive Tips to Standing Your Ground and Speaking Your Mind
Assertiveness is essential if you’re to get what you want – but you don’t want to come across as pushy or aggressive. Here are 10 practical tips from Speak First for how to be effective in a range of ...