Begin to notice how you typically sit and stand when you communicate with others. Does your posture tend to project openness and confidence or do you minimize your energy and influence with poor posture? This week, practice using a posture that reflects openness and confidence just prior to a stressful or important situation. What do you notice? Does it increase your confidence? Discuss your responses to at least two different situations in which you purposely use posture to influence your outcomes.

$2)$ Based on the previous question, now observe others. Discuss at least two different situations in which others use posture to influence outcomes. This may be a scenario you see in person, on television or in a movie.

$3)$ Many times, we take the conversation away from others and make it our own. This practice not only wastes time, but is a major relationship killer. Here is how it works: At the beginning of the conversation, you tell the other person about a problem you are dealing with and, before you finish the story, the other person says, "I know what you mean," and then describes a personal experience that may or may not have anything to do with your problem. Once the other person takes over the conversation, a valuable exchange of ideas is probably lost. This week, monitor your conversations with friends, family members, and coworkers. How often did the other person attempt to take the conversation away from you? How often did you attempt to take over the conversation? Discuss your experiences and takeaways.