Suits And Seats: Where To Sit For Professional Success

SUITS AND SEATS: WHERE TO SIT FOR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS In professional settings, there may be some confusion on where to sit to achieve the goals of your meeting and walk away feeling good about your interaction with colleagues, potential employers, or attendees. empty seat seat best seat interviewer/presenter INTERVIEW 1-to-1 Interview Group Interview • Sit opposite of the interviewer. (This could make the interviewee feel intimidated) • Wait to be asked to sit. • Sit up straight. • Move your chair to be at eye level with the interviewer. • Sit across from the group of interviewers. • Introduce yourself with your full name to everyone on the panel. • Make eye contact with the group. • Smile • Place belongings on the floor. (not on the table) show enthusiasm. BRAINSTORMING SESSION TIPS • Keep groups small for more spontaneous thinking. • Separate strong personalities by distance for the most collaborative environment. • Try without a table for an informal discussion that facilitates lively discussion. • Avoid inviting high ranking executives or • Focus is on discussion with no work space or technology distractions. managers. PRESENTATIONS 1-to-Many Co-Presenter • Stand to the side of the stage or room for a • Theater style: Rows facing speaker in semi-circular pattern or herringbone pattern (staggered for maximum viewing). • Best for presenter: Fewer distractions and more audience attention. • Best seat: Toward the middle of the row, close to the front. smooth transition. • Standing up or sitting down can disrupt flow. • Rehearse lines before the presentation to ensure a smooth transition. Panel Presentation (Moderator) Sales Meeting • On the stage, seated to the side and slightly back. • Focus should be on the panel, but the moderator should be close by to manage the conversation. • Small tables in "banquet style" will help foster communication and keep the attention of the attendees. BUSINESS LUNCH • Best seating: 4-top table in a quiet area of the restaurant with minimal noise and distraction. • Sit next to one another on the corner of the table rather than across. (The corner allows for more intimate conversation.) • When your client arrives, subtly direct him or her to the chair next to you by gesturing. Presented By: SEATSANDSTOOLS Sources: experience.com/entry-level-jobs/jobs-and-careers/interview-resources/top-10-interview-tips-from-an-etiquette-professional/ calliope.be/english/html/topic_BF244816-2C6F-487E-AECC-05D3084368E4_A316B3F1-4D7C-464B-8FOA-372D11074FB5_1.htm inc.com/guides/201106/spice-up-your-sales-meeting.html entrepreneur.com/article/223962# definiscommunications.com/resource-center/article_how-to-moderate-a-panel.php smallbusiness.chron.com/good-ways-improve-group-presentation-36972.html experient-inc.com/solution/publications/convene/Conferon.chap.07.pdf blog.mitchcommgroup.com/mikedavis/more-powerful-brainstorming-sessions-in-6-steps/ itbusinessedge.com/blogs/from-under-the-rug/how-to-make-a-brainstrming-session-less-painful-more-productive.html SmartStorming,com/book thealexander.com/ec972/29/meetings/meeting-room-setup-part-2