Hey ShopTalkers! If you’ve been following along: in Episode 78 we deep-dived into how your voice can project confidence (or sometimes do the opposite), and last week (Ep 79) we unpacked the exact words that either build you up or quietly chip away at your presence. Today, we’re going even deeper. Because even when your voice/word choice are on point, the way you show up in the first few seconds of an interaction still has enormous power!

Did You Know? 

• Most people form a first impression in 7 seconds or less. Those seconds aren’t a luxury—they’re everything.
• Studies show women are judged not only on competence but also warmth in those first moments. If the balance feels off, it can work against you.
• Globally, women hold only about 30% of senior leadership roles—and part of why progress is slow is that perception bias in first impressions plays a role in who people believe is “leadership material.”

Why It Matters: If you were with me in Episode 33 (“Making a Remarkable First Impression on Your First Day”), you’ll remember I shared tips for that brand-new job, how to dress, arrive early, learn names, etc. That episode was perfect if you were stepping into something new. If you’re preparing for a new job, I still recommend going back to Ep 33—but know today’s episode will give you skills you can use every time you enter a room.

3 Strategies You Can Use Right Now
1.  Prepare Your Presence: Before you walk into any space (virtual or in-person), take a moment. Adjust your posture. Slow your breathing. Remind yourself of your credentials.
2.  Non-Verbal Signals Speak Louder Than Many Words: Eye contact, steady posture, calm gestures. Avoid fidgeting, avoid shrinking your space.
3.  Lead with Clarity + Warmth:  Drop softeners (“just,” “sorry,” “maybe”) up front. Replace with something direct: “Here’s what I think,” or “I’m excited to share…”

NEW HERE? Here are your “Must-Do’s:”
Register for our Building your Brand Workshop 10/02/25
·        https://www.drdawnshoptalk.com/workshops
Check out our Mentioned Videos:
·       The Career Woman’s Secret Playbook Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fR_clXjZ-4&list=PLdguFjdYMwqWXnvIeSAIhDrtPdHdsLGde
·       Mindset & Confidence Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klxaMDeQCXU&list=PLdguFjdYMwqXrgiI1YaB87uHu1gm_mczc
·       What’s Holding You Back Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg5oof2vv7Q&list=PLdguFjdYMwqUaLR6jMeDUgP0cntaIJJ-Y
·       Building your Brand Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRK7Ep29SkQ&list=PLdguFjdYMwqVLPsFZjl-Do8eH7leltW8O
Get your copy of The Career Woman’s Secret Playbook!
·       Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Career-Womans-Secret-Playbook
Contact Me!
·        https://www.drdawnshoptalk.com/book-online 

https://www.youtube.com/@drdawnshoptalk/podcasts