Presenting the Right Image at the Right Time—Always: Author and Style Consultant Susan Sommers Tells How -- by DeShaun Maria Harris, Sales Coordinator, TV Guide Network

In a room of 50 women there are bound to be at least 50 styles and opinions of the same. It's human nature. However, perceptions that inform those opinions can be influenced, as best-selling author and image consultant Susan Sommers explained to a group of AWNY members and guests at "How to WOW" on April 28. This event was the last in AWNY's recent career development workshop series, sponsored by Meredith Corporation. Its purpose was to teach attendees the little tweaks that they can make to their image to create a big difference.

Sommers opened the session by asking everyone to partner with another person in the room and reflect on, "Is my look sending the right message? How would I like to be perceived? Do I look like a (business) solution?"

Then, partners shared how they thought of themselves (e.g. intelligent, creative, detail-oriented, professional) and how they viewed the other person. In some cases, the two perceptions varied greatly. For instance, AWNY member Saly Bishr said that she had previously been told she can come off as unapproachable. However, that evening, with her smile, paired with a black dress and colorful scarf she appeared friendly and approachable.

According to Sommers, achieving a look that elicits a favorable response can be accomplished all the time, by following these rules:

Clothes

Create a 'less is more' core wardrobe

Purchase basics that can be mixed and matched (white shirts, neutral tops/bottoms, trench coat)
A finished business outfit usually consists of three pieces (top, bottom and jacket, cardigan or shawl) with accessories

Check the fit

Clothes that fit well - whether inexpensive or costly - look better than those that do not

Select color strategically

Everyone can wear almost any color, as long as it is the right shade for their skin tone
Different colors bring to mind different characteristics. For a list of colors and the psychology behind each, visit http://bit.ly/YQvP

Develop a signature piece

Find an accessory that will make you stand out and be memorable (earrings, purse, handbag, scarf, eye glasses)

Body Language

Have a firm - but not bone-crushing - handshake
Look people in the eye 40% - 60% of the time when speaking to them
Smile only when appropriate
Stand and sit tall; allow yourself to take up space

Voice/Words

Learn to control cadence, pitch and tone

Record and listen to your voice
If you do not want people to know how you feel by the rise of your voice, practice making your tone neutral

Be direct

Avoid clichés and filler words ("um", "you know" and "like")

Pronounce words correctly
Avoid slang

After her presentation, Sommers opened the floor for questions. The discussion quickly centered on networking etiquette. Two questions that generated a lot of conversation were

--"How can I make myself comfortable enough to meet people when I attend an event alone?" and

--"What should I do with my hands while I'm waiting to make an introduction?"

Sommers advised identifying other people who are alone - because there is usually at least one - and ask if they would like to walk around the event together. She also suggested that attendees be deliberate about who they select to speak with at networking functions. "Make a goal. How many people will you meet and who will they be?" she challenged. As for what to do with nervous hands, Sommers offered that women can hold on to a handbag strap if standing, write something if sitting, but avoid crossing arms or putting hands in pockets at all instances.

"Your image is the medium for the message you want to convey to the world," Sommers said. "It is like your business card; a reflection of you."

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