How to immediately impress anyone: Simple behaviour tips
Impress others with these powerful tips
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
What has a head but no brain?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
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83.9% Same!
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16.1% Would have liked to try something different
7 tips for buying your Christmas ham
It’s the centerpiece of the Christmas table, so when you’re peering into the supermarket chiller or ordering from the butcher, choosing the perfect ham can feel like a daunting task.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing one to bring home with you.
1. What type of ham to buy
You’ve got some decisions to make when it comes to the type of Christmas ham you’re going to buy.
Cooked on the bone (COB) ham is the traditional Christmas ham. If you’re buying a half ham, you’ll have the choice of the shank or fillet end. The shank is the part with the bone sticking out that gives the ham that traditional look. The fillet end is the round part that gives more meat. If you’re deciding whether to get a whole ham or half, consider how quickly you’ll be able to eat it all. You only have about a week to eat an opened ham before it will go off, so it can be a good idea to get two halves. That way you can eat one half during the week of Christmas and save the other for January.
Champagne ham has had the bone removed and only has the hock left on, so it’s easier to carve.
Pressed ham – also known as continental ham – has had the bones removed and has been pressed, so it’s also easy to carve.
2. Check the pork percentage
The label on a packaged ham will say what percentage is actually meat. Hams are injected with brine, to keep them moist, and additives. The brine injection level for manufactured hams is usually between 10% and 35% of the ham's weight. A manufacturer that wants to produce a cheap ham will add more water to bump up the weight.
3. Know how to tell if it’s New Zealand pork
By far, most of the hams bought in New Zealand this Christmas will be from pigs reared overseas. New Zealand imports pork from about 25 countries. It’s frustrating for New Zealand pig farmers because this ham can come from farms that don’t have to meet the same animal welfare standards as we have in this country. As a result, overseas meat is often cheaper.
If buying New Zealand pork is important to you, look for:
words on the packaging like ‘New Zealand pork’ or ‘born and raised in New Zealand’
4. Have a good look at the ham
If you’re going to be glazing your ham, look for one that is covered in a finger-thick layer of fat. This will give you the thickness you need to make good score lines.
New Zealand Pork’s website also advises looking for a ham that has a meaty texture rather than one that looks wet or rubbery. It says the ham’s skin should be smooth with even colouring. “If the knuckle is sunken, it may be overcooked. If the rind is buckled or uneven, it may be a sign of dryness.”
5. Ask a lot of questions
If you’re ordering your pork from a butcher, you probably won’t be able to compare hams like you would at the supermarket. So, make sure you ask lots of questions, now that you know what you’re looking for.
You could ask:
Is the ham made from New Zealand born and farmed pork?
What will be its injection percentage?
What flavours will it have?
You could even ask if there’s a glaze the butcher thinks would work particularly well with those flavours.
6. Know what size you’ll need
If the ham is the only meat on your Christmas menu, New Zealand Pork advises allowing 1kg of ham for five people. Or if you’ve got other meat options, 1kg will feed about six to eight people.
7. Know the best hams in New Zealand
The best hams of the year were awarded at the 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Awards earlier in the year so you can check out which ones got medals. Some of them are only available in the city the butcher is based, but a Farmland boneless ham available nationwide won a gold award and Woolworths bone-in and boneless hams picked up bronze.
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