Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1489006
74 ASCP Skin Deep Winter 2023 ASCP Skin Deep ASCP Skin Deep ASCP Skin Deep ASCP Skin Deep ASCP Skin Deep Winter 2023 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 Slow Things Down There's absolutely no need to rush through an interaction with a client. This means you should be conscious of your pacing, how quickly you're moving your hands during the appointment, and how fast you speak. Clients likely came to you for a relaxing experience, and dashing toward the fi nish line could leave a negative impression. "Take your time when speaking with clients; it conveys that you are not in a rush to fi nish what you're saying and fi nish with them," Donaldson explains. "Really listen to what a customer is saying. Repeat some of their words, then solve their problem with your chosen solution." This meditative way of moving will show not only that you care but also that you are there to provide a calming experience for them during their otherwise busy day. As far as speaking goes, your tone can carry a lot of weight. Speaking quickly or using a monotone voice might make a client feel like you're not personalizing your attention or caring. "You want to always maintain a welcoming, positive, and optimistic tone . . . Your tone conveys meaning, and people will read into your tone more than they hear the actual words you say," Donaldson says. Open Up Physically closing yourself off is a big no-no. The most common way people do this is by crossing their arms. Sure, it might feel like a comfortable place to position your arms while your client tells you about their journey with cystic acne, but they might perceive this positioning as you not caring for their story, judging them for their experiences, or feeling disinterested in them entirely. Instead, make sure you're opening up to them. Avoid crossing your arms or legs. Opt to have your arms at your sides, in an open gesture as you speak, or clasped neatly by your stomach. As for your feet, spread them slightly apart (some call this a power pose). The same goes for hiding your body behind objects. If you're interacting at a front desk, "move from behind the desk if at all possible when speaking with people. [The desk] acts as a physical and psychological barrier that can signal you want to stay safely away from them," Donaldson says. Be Mindful of Personal Bubbles While you don't want to close yourself off , you also don't want to be too close. Making sure you give your client their personal space while also being in Handshakes: Yay or Nay? Social interactions have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and some clients may not be comfortable with handshakes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't o er a polite and appropriate handshake when meeting someone for the fi rst time. According to body language coach Karen Donaldson, "Those who don't feel comfortable won't reciprocate, and that's fi ne. As a professional, your job is to always initiate the handshake and not feel o ended should they decide not to reciprocate."