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Archana Deshpande |63 Answers |Ask -Follow

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on May 20, 2024

Archana Deshpande, the founder of TransformMe Life Skills Coaching, is an image consultant, soft skills trainer and life coach.
She has been working with individuals and corporate organisations for more than 10 years during which she has helped professionals and students improve their soft skills, build confidence and enhance self-esteem.
An engineer from the PDA College of Engineering, Gulbarga, Archana had a successful career at Reliance Communications. But she has always been interested in teaching and training people. So she pursued a postgraduate diploma in teacher’s training at Pune’s Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies followed by teaching assignments in schools at Visakhapatnam and Mumbai.
Archana also holds an international certificate in image consulting and soft skills training from the Image Consulting Business Institute, Mumbai.... more

Question by susobhan on May 10, 2024Hindi

I am working in a design and build company (for interiors and Fitouts)...but cannot develop proper rappo... with the client....My brain remains very stiff, and i suffer from nervousness, while speaking/interacting...Pls suggest, how to overcome this problem, and maintain a calm posture ..... Susobhan

Ans: Dear Susobhan!!
You will be surprised to know that 72-75% of the population fears public speaking ,this makes public speaking the number one fear of a vast majority. For you, talking to clients is like public speaking!
There is no fear that cannot be overcome with practice and having a process for overcoming it.
Just dig a little deeper and make notes on what happens to your body and mind when a client comes in front of you.
Also look into the past and see why this is happening? The more you become aware of yourself and the WHY of a problem then the HOW of the solution to the problem starts to take shape.
Check, why you get nervous? Is it because you are short of words? You are not properly dressed/groomed? Is it lack of the knowledge of the product? Identifying the problem is half the battle won.

Some suggestions to build the rapport-
(take three deep breaths as soon as you see a client, helps in calming you)-
1. smile as soon as you see the client, a genuine smile
2. stand up to receive him/her
3. exhibit a confident body language
4. greet the client in a clear confident voice
5. ask how you can help them?
6. ask open ended questions, what are they looking for? Let the client speak.
7.offer water/tea/ coffee

I have suggested some ways, however build your own relevant process, from the time the client enters till they leave.
Have your vocabulary ready.... what to say, how to say and practice in front of the mirror.
Always be well dressed/groomed, appropriate for your role.
You must have knowledge about everything in the store and all the services your store offers, this will give you confidence in answering the queries of the client. Do seek help if you don't know all the answers.... there is nothing wrong in saying," I am not so sure about this, let me ask a senior and get back to you on this", don't mumble, say it clearly.

Meditation is a sure shot way of becoming calmer. Go for deep breathing, visualizations and affirmations also overcome your nervousness.

All the best Susobhan!

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Anu Krishna |1149 Answers |Ask -Follow

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Oct 06, 2020

Question by R - Oct 06, 2020Hindi

Madam/Sir...I am finding it difficult while communicating in front of public gathering and while giving presentations in the meeting. Went through several books and videos but not able to overcome on the issue. Please suggest some simple techniques.

Ans: Dear R, I know this feeling. So many people feel like the crowd is going to swallow them. I have a few simple tricks for you.

1. First, watch videos of a person that you admire for their public speaking skills and one who is confident and sharp in front of an audience. Watch their every move, their rate of speech, their language, their body language.

2. Next, imagine yourself as a character on a stage/podium/meeting room in place of that person and as though you imitate his/her every move.

If you think, there is more that you want to add to feel more confident watching your character, like maybe pumping your fist in the air. Watch your character do that.

3. When you think that your character looks and feels confident, simply take a step forward and take on the character and face an imaginary crowd.

4. Now simply feel the elation as you have simply taken on the same role as the person that you admire and hence you feel the same air of confidence.

The key is to practice this many times over, till your mind supports you on this. Try this, it’s fun and it does work. Have a great confident self, be happy

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