Compelling appearance is the key to success - in professional as well as private life.
Because what is crucial is always how convincingly we convey what we want to communicate. Peter A. Worel, the "soft skill virtuoso," is an expert in the field and knows how to achieve a truly convincing and successful appearance. He trains executives in banks, pharmaceutical companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as individual executives, managing directors, and public figures in one-on-one training sessions.
What should one pay special attention to in order to appear truly convincing?
P.A. Worel: "A coherent overall image is crucial. This means, for example, that words and body language must absolutely align in the same direction. And that the appearance largely corresponds to the role expectations that the audience or conversation partners have. They expect a certain appearance from a board member, and a different one from a salesperson."
What are the cornerstones for a convincing appearance?
P.A. Worel: "Let me mention two important points: rhetoric and body language. Appearing convincingly means using arms and hands confidently and positively, maintaining eye contact with the audience, and having a confident stance. As for word choice, it should be formulated as much as possible from the 'YOU perspective.' This shows conversation partners that you can empathize with their situation and are interested in their needs. Additionally, negative terms should be replaced with positive equivalents. This facilitates understandable and successful communication. Positive statements are processed almost twice as fast in our brains as negative formulations. And: it is important to incorporate pauses into the flow of speech. This gives our counterpart the opportunity to respond to what has been said, and at the same time, demonstrates our own composure."
How can one improve their personal appearance?
P.A. Worel: "Almost everything necessary for a convincing appearance can be trained. It is important to practice, practice, and practice. And to remember that success is often determined by small details. Every opportunity to speak in front of other people should be seized. It is also beneficial to recognize, under professional guidance and for example with the use of a video camera, how one's individual appearance currently comes across and how it can be refined. Standard recipes immediately make listeners realize that something rehearsed is being delivered. On the contrary, it is important for me with my clients to always build on their existing personality. In my view, breeding 'trained monkeys' would be the wrong way. The appearance must always match the person, the occasion, and the function."
