Can modeling/acting training help you make a good … no, make that FANTASTIC FIRST IMPRESSION?  The answer is easy.  Absolutely and here’s how…  In the modeling world, you are selling a product.  Whether you are walking a runway, smiling for the camera, or doing in-store informal modeling, your purpose is to sell the products for the company that hires you to promote them.  In the real world, YOU ARE THE PRODUCT!  Everyday you are selling yourself and your abilities to prospective employers, coaches, teachers, etc. to try and secure opportunities.  There isn’t anyone who would not benefit from learning the art of presenting themselves with CONFIDENCE.  Have you ever heard the expression “fake it ’till you make it”?

So why does modeling/acting training benefit everyone?  Research shows when a person enters a room, people will form an opinion about them between 5 and 7 seconds.  Between 5 and 7 seconds… that’s it!  Not much time for the one chance to make a good impression right off the bat.  POSTURE, POSTURE, POSTURE!  You don’t even have to open your mouth and you exude that great, confident look!  Nothing is more attractive.  Why?  You could be wearing the best outfit, with the latest hair cut, great make-up (if you’re a female) and it will not matter if your poor posture kills the image.  Round shoulders, head down, poor eye contact and you are done.  So remember, stand up straight… pull in those abs… hold that head up… look someone right in the eye and smile!

What about sitting you may ask?  Do you ever see a CELEBRITY  or a person of power slumped in a chair? Of course not.  What kind of first impression would that make?  Not a very good one!  Walk to the chair, feel the seat with the back of your legs, and lower yourself down to the seat.  Gracefully for the ladies and with finesse for the gentlemen.  Back straight, feet planted on the floor for the guys.  Legs crossed at the ankles, swing to one side with your knees together, and hands in your lap for the gals.  Lovely!

Remember, don’t fidget, bite your nails, tap your foot or fingers, twirl your hair, or rock in your chair!  I can’t think of any more poor examples, can you?  Time to speak…but we will save that PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT lesson for the next time!  Now go on and spring forward, working to become your personal best!