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Always be prepared

Always being prepared is one of the most powerful ways to look like you've got it all together. Be a few minutes early everywhere you go. If you're meeting with someone for the first time, find out everything you can about them beforehand. On your way to an event, decide what you want to get out of it. Are you looking to make a deal, or just have great conversation? Simply knowing what you want can make you look like you've got everything figured out, while everyone else is feeling awkward and wondering what to do next. Another tip: if you don't have a planner, go get one and do your best to keep it updated. It's an easy way to keep track of what's happening and be prepared for important events.

Get your appearance under control

Shallow? Maybe. But whether you like it or not, your appearance will always make a substantial difference in how much you respect you get. Pick up a copy of GQ (for guys) or InStyle (for girls) for some tips on how to dress stylishly. Get a modern, professional-looking haircut. Make sure you smell good and keep your breath fresh. Set a goal to eat healthier and exercise more regularly, then find a partner to keep you accountable. Take care of yourself as best as you can. People will assume you take care of everything else the same way.

Learn to Communicate Professionally

Pay attention to how respected successful people talk. Only talk about subjects your "audience" can relate to. Talk clearly and with a calm, powerful voice. Learn about topics and current events that are likely to be discussed in public. Read as much as you can from various genres to improve your vocabulary. Take every opportunity you can to talk in front of people, even if it terrifies you now. Trust me on this: with practice, the fear WILL go away, and you WILL get better. And the most important tip for communicating professionally: listen more and talk less.

Act like you own the place

No matter who you are, you can act in a way that makes people assume you're a powerful person. One of the best ways I've found to do this is to just slow down! When you walk, slow down, completely relax your shoulders, and let your arms sway slightly at your sides. When you enter a room, look around calmly. Don't be afraid to make eye contact with people (don't stare them down, either*'st look confidently, and then calmly look away). Get comfortable. Focus on making all of your movements smooth and calculated. Be polite and friendly to everyone. Wherever you go, assume that everyone respects and cares about you. If you do, often times they will.

Tell it like it is

There's a difference between being afraid to say what you feel and choosing not to say it. Choosing not to say what you feel is OK. Being afraid to is not. If someone asks your opinion on something, be considerate, but give it to them straight. Don't sugar-coat or apologize for the truth, and never exaggerate it to make yourself sound better. I've found that honesty and being willing to admit you are human will earn you a whole lot more respect than any impressive story ever could.

So there you go! These 5 Simple Ways to Get Instant Respect have helped me immensely over the past few years. Let us know if they help you too!