People tend to recall the first and last things better, and barely the middle. Keep in mind – Primacy and recency (Serial position effect) When scheduling an interview, ask what times the employer is interviewing. The smart thing to do is trying to get interviewed first or last.

If you face customers face to face Put a large mirror behind you at the counter. There are two smart benefits of putting the mirror. This way angry customers who approach you will see themselves in the mirror behind you. The chances of them behaving irrationally lowers greatly. Also the office will look more spacious and well-lit.

The physical effects of stress (breathing rate and heart rate) are almost similar to the physical effects of courage When you are feeling stressed from any situation don’t panic. The smart thing to do is immediately reframe your mind. Think that your body is actually getting courageous. It is not feeling stressed. In the video below Kelly McGonigal beautifully shows stress is not dangerous. Thinking about stress in a positive way reduces the risk that it poses. Also this video might really change your life. Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend [TED Talk] [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGyVTAoXEU&rel=0]

Be a Smart Salesmen: Keep quite after sales pitch This principle is part of most of the sales 101’s. It also works in many other potentially awkward situations. Once you get the small talk out-of-the-way pitch the prices. The smart salesperson will wait for the customer response. The first person to talk after the sales pitch will lose. This may sound like cliché but it actually works. Often there will be long periods of awkward silence. Sometimes customers come up with an excuse, but usually they will buy.

People do not remember what you said but how you made them feel The best motivational talk is the one whose speaker instills motivation through his body-language not his words. It is an old saying that actions speak louder than words. So People will remember your actions and your behavior more than what you say. If you say well but do evil, people will do evil against you. So be smart and not only say good but make people feel good. It isn’t what we say what defines us but what we do. ~Jane Austen Pro Tip – Most people like talking about themselves. So ask them lots of questions about them.

While learning something new, teach it to a friend. Let them ask questions related to it If you’re able to teach something well, you have understood it very well. Your ideas will never be more effective than your ability to make others comprehend them. The smart people include teaching others as part of their learning process.

Be happy and confident when you meet people, they will react the same to you Being happy and confident you will portray yourself with more conviction in yourself. The same perception people will have of you. This will keep you away from facing rejections.

Stay connected with people you have worked with Communication is a great power of humanity. Smart thing to do is become an information source for people, and let them be yours. Even having a good time with a former colleague once a year will keep you in the loop at the old office. Former co-workers might have gotten a new place in that office you always wanted to work in, great! Have a good time with them, and ask about the office. Being successful requires having connections and the required information.

Stand up straight and look smart and confident Standing correctly is very important both for your health and your personality. No Slouching, hands out of pockets, and head held up high is the correct standing posture. Standing straight is not just a cliché – you will literally feel smarter. People around you will feel more confident in you when you stand straight.

Avoid saying “I think,” and “I believe” unless necessary When you are collecting your thoughts on the fly, you are thinking and speaking at the same time – do not use the phrases “I think,” and “I believe”. These phrases do not evoke confidence. They will literally do you no good. You will come across as a confused person. The listener may feel that you are not confident in what you are saying.

When feeling anxious, clean up your home or work space You will feel happier and more accomplished than before. Also working in a clean and tidy room provides more focus. After cleaning the room you will be able to visualize more clearly. You will surely get better results in your work.

If you are smart you will focus on learning about your employer. This way you will come across more interesting and dynamic. You will be easily able to answer questions like, “Why are you choosing us”. Also people love to talk about themselves so you will have more to speak.

Parents Pay Attention: Give your kid a choice making them think they are in control When we give our children choices within present boundaries, we cut conflict. For instance when you want him to put his shoes on, smart thing to say is,”do you want to put your star wars shoes on or your shark shoes on?” and not just saying, “put your shoes on”. The child is more likely to refuse if you don’t give a choice. Pro-tip: In some cases, this works on adults. Also Read: 6 Steps for Parents So Your Child is Successful

If you want to build rapport or gain someone’s trust quickly, subtly match with their body language but try not to look creepy If someone is sitting with her legs crossed cross your legs. If they’re leaning away from you lean away from them. If they’re leaning towards you, lean towards them. Mirroring and matching body language is a subconscious way to tell if someone trusts you or is comfortable with you. If you’re sitting with your arms crossed and you notice someone else is sitting with their arms crossed, that is a good indicator that you are successfully building rapport with that person.