How to immediately impress anyone: Simple behaviour tips
Impress others with these powerful tips
=================================
Do you want to hold a positive aura and captivate people around? Mastering the art of influence is crucial for anyone looking to make an impact, be it at work, or social events. Engaging people around you well turns simple chats into memorable moments. Using specific techniques can boost your presence and help you connect more deeply. Following are powerful moves to help you influence and win over anybody:
Power of your body language
========================
Real power isn't about where you stand—it's about how you carry yourself. Confident individuals attract attention without needing to seek it out actively. Your physical presence matters; positioning yourself where conversations naturally occur can enhance how others perceive you. Move with purpose; fidgeting can diminish your presence. For instance, at social gatherings or meetings, stand or sit where you can engage easily with others rather than hiding in corners. This deliberate positioning helps project confidence and invites interaction from those around you.
Pause before you speak
====================
Pausing before you speak makes you look more powerful. A strategic pause can significantly boost your authority. Quick replies may come off as hasty, while a moment of silence conveys confidence. For example, if someone questions your opinion on a proposed marketing strategy, take a couple of seconds to collect your thoughts before responding. This not only builds anticipation but also shows that you value the conversation. In a meeting, if someone interrupts you, maintain eye contact and wait a moment before replying calmly. This approach commands respect and demonstrates that you are in control of the dialogue.
Build bonds with thoughtful interaction
===============================
People trust those who make them feel seen. Building genuine connections relies on active listening rather than forced interactions. Instead of name-dropping, acknowledge someone's insight by saying, "I appreciated your thoughts on the recent sales report." Simple affirmations like "That was an excellent idea" or summarising their points can foster trust and connection. For example, in a networking event, instead of introducing yourself with big names, focus on what the other person is saying and respond thoughtfully. This approach makes others feel valued and encourages deeper conversations.
Flip the power dynamic in conversations
=================================
The greatest communicators get others to talk more while remaining in charge. Instead of taking over conversations, steer them by asking open-ended questions. Rather than posing "Why do you like this kind of music?" pose "What made you a fan of pop-music?" The small rephrasing inspires participation while permitting you to still have control over the conversation. For example, when discussing hobbies, rather than presenting your hobbies as statements, ask others and respond to their feedback. This demonstrates that you consider their opinion and maintains the natural flow of the conversation.
Remember small details about others
==============================
Most of the people trust individuals who recall minor details. Mentioning previous conversations reveals social intelligence and makes others valued. For example, upon running into the same person later, say something you discussed in your previous conversation: "When we last met, you had mentioned your holidays in Spain coming up—how did it go?" Making notes mentally in discussions solidifies bonding and shows the other person you value what is being said. During informal meetups such as coffee breaks or lunch appointments, remembering small details can become a major help in making an impression on the other person.
Stay calm and composed under pressure
=================================
Nothing unsettles people more than someone who stays calm under pressure. Composure naturally draws respect from others. Avoid reacting impulsively, instead, respond with intention. Lowering your voice during tense moments can help regain focus from others. If something unexpected occurs in a meeting, express gratitude for patience rather than apologising excessively. For example, if the video projector malfunctions during a presentation, calmly thank the audience for their understanding instead of dwelling on mistakes. This approach helps maintain a positive atmosphere and demonstrates your ability to handle pressure.
Genuinely appreciate and thank people
===============================
Genuine appreciation builds stronger connections than fake politeness. Effectively expressing gratitude strengthens relationships. Instead of saying "Sorry for the delay," try "Thank you for your patience." Recognising contributions authentically reinforces respect without sounding insincere. For example, after a team project, acknowledge everyone’s efforts by saying something like, "I truly appreciate everyone's hard work on this complex project." This kind of recognition fosters goodwill and encourages collaboration in future projects.
===========================================
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
51.9% Human-centred experience and communication
-
15.3% Critical thinking
-
29.9% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.9% Other - I will share below!
The Gospel’s Relevance Today**
The Gospel, meaning ‘good news’, is the cornerstone of the message contained in the Bible’s first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. While these records were written approximately 2,000 years ago, a natural question arises: why is this Gospel still relevant and vital for us today? This analysis seeks to explore what the Bible itself defines as the Gospel and to understand its enduring significance.
**Defining the Gospel: Core Biblical References**
The Gospel is not a vague concept; Scripture provides clear descriptions of its content and focus.
* **The Gospel of the Kingdom:** In Matthew 4:23, as Jesus begins his ministry, he is described as “preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” This immediately establishes that the good news is centrally about a kingdom—the Kingdom of God. His accompanying miracles served to validate the authority of this message.
* **The Gospel of Jesus Christ:** Mark 1:1 opens with, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Here, “Christ” is a title meaning ‘anointed one’. Thus, the good news is intrinsically about Jesus: his identity as the Anointed One and his unique status as the Son of God.
* **The Gospel of God’s Grace:** In Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul speaks of his mission to “testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Grace signifies an undeserved gift. This reveals that the Gospel involves a gift from God, offered not because it is merited, but out of His benevolence.
* **The Gospel of Salvation and Peace:** Romans 1:16 declares the Gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,” breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile (Greek). Furthermore, Romans 10:15 calls it the “gospel of peace,” pointing to a future state of peace brought about by this message.
* **The Gospel Summarised:** 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 provides a foundational summary. Paul reminds believers of the gospel he preached, “by which also you are saved.” He then states its core historical facts: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” The Gospel is therefore rooted in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.
In synthesis, the Gospel is the good news of **salvation and future peace in the Kingdom of God**, made possible by **the grace of God** and **the obedient sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ**, and offered to all who believe.
**Old Testament Foundations: The Gospel Preached to Abraham**
A crucial question is whether the Gospel is confined to the New Testament. Scripture shows its foundations were laid much earlier. Galatians 3:8 states explicitly that “the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’”
This reference points back to Genesis 12:1-3, where God made profound promises to Abraham: to make him a great nation, to bless those who blessed him, and that “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” These promises—later reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob—form the bedrock of the Gospel hope. The good news of salvation through Christ is the fulfillment of how **all nations** would be blessed through Abraham’s “seed.”
**The Gospel’s Personal Relevance: Good News for You Today**
How does this ancient message become “good news for you” today? The application is clearly outlined in Galatians 3.
* **Access through Faith in Christ:** Galatians 3:26 declares, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” The promise made to Abraham is now extended to anyone with faith in Jesus.
* **The Role of Baptism:** Verse 27 explains, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Baptism is the God-appointed act of faith that identifies a believer with Christ’s death and resurrection.
* **Unity and Inheritance:** Verses 28-29 reveal the glorious outcome: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Through the Gospel, all barriers are removed; believers become spiritual descendants of Abraham and heirs to the promises of the Kingdom.
This Gospel was once a mystery hidden in God’s purpose (Ephesians 3:3-9). Now, it has been revealed: the unsearchable riches of Christ, offering salvation to all who heed the call, believe the message, and are baptised into him.
**Conclusion: An Enduring and Open Invitation**
The Gospel is far more than a historical account; it is the living, powerful good news of God’s plan for salvation. It is rooted in promises to Abraham, accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and open to all people without distinction. It offers a tangible hope—the hope of resurrection, peace, and an inheritance in the coming Kingdom of God. This is why the Gospel remains profoundly relevant. It is an invitation to listen, believe, and stand firm in this hope, linking our lives today to the eternal purpose of God.
Loading…
