Tip: How to deal with 'The Wall' when first meeting someone.
Let’s say you meet someone and as you are talking to them you sense a ‘wall’ building. That person doesn’t seem interested in talking to you. When this happens most of us react to their demeanor. Your body stiffens, your smile tightens, and you start to feel uncomfortable.
Here’s the problem: emotions are contagious and you just caught their negative virus!
Daniel Goleman, a leading expert on social intelligence says, “the brain’s areas for movement and emotion are peppered with ‘mirror neurons’…These neurons specialize in tuning into the person we are with and creating in our brain a replica of the other’s emotions, actions, and intentions.”
So, then what happens? You start mirroring their behaviour. You lose your confidence and more importantly, your concentration. The best solution is to try and stay focused, continue to smile, keep your body language open and keep the conversation moving forward in a positive manner. Perhaps change the topic to something else.
Does it always work? No. But at least you understand what is going on and have the tools to counter it.
If you want more tools to become a more confident networker, invest the time in our comprehensive online course, Power of Positive Networking® . You only have to learn this information once in your life.
SHEPA LEARNING COMPANY WEEKLY POSITIVE NETWORKING® TIP
No. 1132, September 17, 2025
By Gayle Hallgren and Judy Thomson