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Archana

Archana Deshpande  |100 Answers  |Ask -

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
susobhan Question by susobhan on May 10, 2024Hindi
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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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I am working as Branch Manager in Bank. My nature is more talkative and also due to my job many customers are meeting me. This fact increases my talkative nature and due to this though customer is satisfying my working time get reduced and I can't do my office work. Please advice about how to overcome this.
Ans: It's great that you're aware of the impact your talkative nature has on your work efficiency. Here are some strategies to help you manage your talkative tendencies while balancing customer satisfaction and your office responsibilities by establishing clear boundaries for your interactions with customers. While it's important to provide excellent customer service, set limits on the length and depth of conversations to ensure you can prioritize your office work. Allocate specific time slots during your day for customer interactions and office tasks. Use techniques like time blocking to schedule dedicated periods for meeting with customers and focusing on your administrative duties. Identify your most critical office tasks and prioritize them based on importance and urgency. Focus on completing high-priority tasks during designated office hours, and schedule customer meetings around these priorities. Delegate certain customer interactions or administrative tasks to your team members or support staff. Empower your team to handle routine inquiries or transactions, freeing up your time to focus on strategic priorities. When engaging with customers, practice active listening to understand their needs and concerns effectively. Summarize key points and address their inquiries efficiently to prevent conversations from veering off-topic. Clearly communicate your availability and office hours to customers. Set realistic expectations regarding response times for inquiries or follow-ups, and inform customers of alternative points of contact for urgent matters. Implement visual cues or signals to indicate when you're available for conversations with customers and when you need uninterrupted time for office work. For example, use a "Do Not Disturb" sign or closed office door during focused work sessions. Reflect on your communication habits and identify triggers or patterns that contribute to excessive talking. Practice self-awareness and mindfulness techniques to manage impulsivity and maintain focus during work hours.

Consider participating in workshops, seminars, or training programs focused on time management, communication skills, and customer service excellence. Develop strategies and techniques to enhance your effectiveness in managing customer interactions and office responsibilities.

By implementing these strategies and techniques, you can strike a balance between providing excellent customer service and fulfilling your office duties effectively. Remember that managing talkativeness is a skill that can be honed over time with practice, self-discipline, and a proactive approach to improving your work habits.

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Archana

Archana Deshpande  |100 Answers  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Dec 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2024Hindi
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I am 35, MBA from a reputed college. I recently took over as senior project manager in a software company. Over the last few months, I’ve been asked to lead more high-stakes presentations, but every time I step in front of a group of senior professionals, my nerves take over. I can’t seem to communicate my ideas clearly, and I end up rambling or losing the audience. It’s frustrating because I know the content is strong, but I can’t deliver it with the confidence it needs. I’m starting to feel like this could affect my career growth if I don’t improve. I want to know how to seem more confident and present my ideas with clarity.
Ans: Hi!!

I can understand what you are going through.
I have helped many a people to become better communicators, presenters and public speakers. I agree with you when you say .. that these skills will augur well for your career growth.
What I can say is this .. that it is a learnable skill. Practice and more practice is the only way ahead. You said your content is strong, that is 50% of the job done, so build up on this confidence and practice your delivery in front of the mirror or in front of encouraging family/friends.
The only way to gain confidence is to "JUST DO IT"....to calm your nerves- deep breathing techniques and visualizations techniques will be useful.
I can help you on this journey of being a person who delivers with panache!

There are books by Dale Carnegie on public speaking which can help you out. Also read about Abe Lincoln and his journey of becoming a great orator, it can maybe help you.

Remember, PRACTICE AND PRACTICE is the key to unlock your confidence and become the person who delvers with panache.

All the best!!

..Read more

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MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Feb 22, 2025

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Hello sir this is Nishat , I passed my 12th in the year 2023 with a good percentage but however I couldn’t see it for chemistry exam. So obviously I failed in that subject so I decided to again reappear for that exam and in 2024 I gave betterment exam from my state board in the subject biology and chemistry. However I scored far better in biology than last time but (Chemistry) I don’t know maybe it’s it’s because of the issues that we have with our board. I couldn’t score good marks so even I had decided to give (Chemistry) separately and so in 2024. I again set for (Chemistry) exam under nios I and I scored 80 so now the thing is that I’ll be having two mark sheet so while applying in need I cannot possibly select the code 2 because although I already have the state board certificate but the NIOS certificate is not yet out and it will be out by end of the March sir can I possibly select the code one that is appearing or will it create problems while counselling or is there any other option please help me out sir , I’m very desperate like I have prepared for neey for the last two years and I don’t want to put my hard work into vain. Please Sir help me out
Ans: Hello Nishtam
Please select code 1 without any fear. Focus more on your study. But considering your fear and anxiety with the chemistry subject, it is recommended that you choose other options than NEET. This time you appear without any fear.

If you like the reply, please follow me else ask again without hesitation.
Thanks
Radheshyam

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