Word-Of-the-Week #1062: Presence
December 13, 2024 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #1062: Presence
Presence – the ability to give your full attention to what’s right in front of you at the moment.
Have you ever been so immersed in an activity that you totally lost track of time? How often do you find yourself getting distracted?
This week’s WOW “The Power of Presence” is another great article from longtime friend Bill Marvin, The Restaurant Doctor.
- Presence and Enjoyment
There’s a direct connection between your level of presence and the enjoyment you derive from what you’re doing.
Have you ever been so immersed in an activity that you totally lost track of time? If so, you’ve had the experience of operating in a state of high presence. You were in the moment without distracting thoughts.
If you find your job irritating, the only problem may be that you’re distracted. Quiet your mind, drop distractions, slow down to the speed of life, and see how enjoyable things will suddenly become. Anything worth doing is worth doing with your full participation.
- Presence Is a Natural State
Presence isn’t something unnatural — it’s something we’re all born with. Little babies have amazing presence because their heads aren’t yet all cluttered up with thoughts — they only know how to deal with what’s right in front of them at the moment.
This sounds too simple, but look what happens when you bring a newborn baby into a room. Everyone’s attention shifts to the baby. People feel better, start to smile and forget their own problems for a few minutes. The baby isn’t doing anything — it’s just being there — yet everyone around them feels more positive.
We call it the Helium Principle: If you maintain a positive state of mind, other people will naturally rise to that.
This demonstrates the power of presence to make others feel more positive. High presence is our birthright, but it’s also something we can easily lose sight of as the pace of business speeds up, our lives become increasingly complex and we take on more responsibilities.
- Start to Notice
It’s unrealistic to think you will always operate without distractions, but you can start to become aware of distracting thoughts when they start to clutter your mind.
One way to tell this is happening is when the people you’re talking with get restless or when you see a glazed look in their eyes. If your attention wanders off track, so will theirs.
The good news is that simply becoming aware of the fact that you’re distracted will automatically start you self-correcting again. When you notice you’re drifting off track, gently let go of stray thoughts and allow your attention to return to the task at hand.
Your increased presence will make whoever you’re with feel better-served and bring more impact to your message.”
This week’s focus is on presence. How easy is it for you to stay on track when you have a task at hand? How would it feel to exhibit the “Helium Principle” and be the positive that brings others up?
I LOVE feedback! Join my Facebook community on my FUN-damentals Fan Page.
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #482: Presence
October 30, 2013 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #482: Presence
Presence – the ability to project a sense of ease, poise, or self-assurance.
Who do you know that projects a sense of ease, poise, or self-assurance? When communicating with them do you feel they are paying attention to you? Does their presence leave a positive impression?
Long time friend and client Joe had this to say regarding last week’s WOW. “Charismatic is a great word. For me, it is how a person’s personality is revealed. Some are boisterous, others are reserved, but all of us have a charisma peculiar to who we are. So, it is not necessarily being outgoing.
When I meet people for the first time, in addition to the eye contact and smile, I almost always shake the person’s hand. Some are tentative with the return handshake; others are forceful and grab my hand strongly.
And, as I am listening, I always make sure to look in the other person’s eyes to give them full attention. If there is anything that I have learned in the short time I have been on this planet, is that people not only like to have people call them by their names, they like to be LISTENED TO when speaking.
In many instances in life, people are not paid attention to, either at home or in the office. So, when they talk they want others to pay attention. I think that is human nature. This is especially evident when these people are interrupted by others. They can get defensive and assert: “I have not finished talking!” So, listening until the other person makes his or her point is important.
Finally, is closing the deal with the handshake. It is a great way to leave another person with a positive feeling about the conversation. Once again, I always finish with the handshake and a smile. These are the last impressions we leave with another person. So, make it memorable. Great word, Susan. Have a great week. And, Go Red Sox!”
This week’s focus is on your presence. Would you agree that you project a sense of ease, poise, or self-assurance when communicating? What would your customers, guests, members or clients say? Does your presence leave a positive lasting impression?