Conduct in This Era

How amazing do you want to be? Here’s how to look and feel totally confident in all your interaction with people.

Words not to use
First of all, a list of words and phrases that should never be used in conversation except in special cases. Conversation containing these words is commonly referred to as "hedging", and is especially bad at a job interview. Take note.

Maybe

you know?

I hope

I wish

could

would

may

might

um

sort of

kind of

alls (New England "Alls you have to do")

. . .I mean . . . (always say what you mean)

and plus (this is ridiculous but people say it all the time)

I said . . . is what I said. (Also sounds less than confident, but is used frequently)

Avoid redundancy at all costs.

Intoductions
Most of us introduce people better in foreign languages than we do in English. For instance, in Spanish "Me permite presentarle (name)" means "Permit me to present (so and so)." But how many times have you been introduced that formally? Most people don't know how.
In a very formal situation, such as a dinner, you say "May I introduce you to so and so(followed by their relationship to you, i.e. 'my sister'"
In a casual situation you say "This is so and so, my (relationship)". Be sure to throw in an appropriate ice-breaker under all circumstances.
Proper introductions go a long way toward making new acquaintances feel comfortable with eachother.

The proper handshake
Likewise, when most people are introduced properly, they have no idea how to respond. The answer is the handshake, which is poorly performed by most of the younger members of our society. When shaking someone's hand, grasp their hand firmly (you're not going to hurt them) and maintain eye contact. You might even nod your head slightly towards them in a gesture of acknowledgement.

Posture
Stand up straight. When you slouch it says "Pass me by." But when you stand straight it says "I'm a contender! Bring it on!" If you slouch, this could take months to correct, but it can be done. You will be utterly amazed at the difference this makes in people's attitude towards you.

Dress
If you want to be taken seriously, wear a suit. People look at you so differently, it's amazing. I've had grown men I've never met before treat me with so much respect, almost awe, simply because I was standing straight, speaking clearly and confidently, and wearing a suit.

So have fun with that :D
Chris