How you make your entrance and settle down for a physical meeting can influence the first impression you create in the minds of your colleagues, counterparties and so on.

Here are some of the things I always try to do and hope that they will grow into a trained habit:

1. Mental rehearsal- thanks to Dave Boreham I learned not to be uncomfortable with picturing myself best executing a task. This includes how I am going to walk in, what working mood or ambiance should surround me, how I will deliver my contribution and so on.

2. Posture and poise – these are silent but powerful indicators of attention, interest, respect and decorum. There is messaging around sitting and standing positions, eye contact, facial and body language. Mentally rehearse these too!

3. Use of hand gestures- work within a certain frame with your hands and when not in use, place them neatly and avoid figiting with them.

4. If there is a need to take your hand to your face to remove an obstruction, do it as palatably as possible which may include politely excusing yourself from the room.

5. Have a consistent way of expressing agreement, elation and difference which always gives room for decorum.

6. Turn your phone/gadgets to silent/ vibration and as much as possible keep them out of sight throughout your engagement unless it is something you need in the meeting and it is the general expectation of all stakeholders…difficult, I know, but it’s worth a try!