Height: A Career Advantage for a Tall Woman

At this time in women's progress toward making it to the top on their own merit, there's one thing that a very small number of women have as a distinct advantage. Yet few have mastered it; fewer use it. It's their height. Couple that with a very lithe figure and you've got a bombshell for making an impact.

In the 1970s, a secretary friend who stood 5' 10" in her stocking feet, researched this topic and announced to a group of us one day that a woman who is over 5' 8" can walk into a room and keep the focus on her for a full five seconds longer than anyone else. Sometimes those five seconds are the most critical for establishing audience rapport and setting the stage for what is to be presented. So it's important for women who are blessed with height to use their advantage well.

The additional advantage of height is a lithe figure, as I said. Having a slim figure is usually advantageous. But coupled with height, it gives the body a more graceful presence - even when the activity is comedic and clumsy. Arm movements are more languid. Footsteps don't have a scurrying effect. Everything seems to flow and simply makes more of an impression.

The Interview Advantage

When going on an interview, there is the time when you're asked to wait in the reception area. Then some person with a sheaf of papers comes to the space, calls your name, and asks you to follow them. Being at the ready for this moment is critical. Every person you meet, from the time you walk into the building until you leave it is a potential co-worker. The good impression left on each person is the comrade built that day.

Waiting

So as you sit in the reception area, sit comfortably, leaf through a magazine and gather some useful information that could be plunked into the meeting. When your name is called, close whatever you're doing and neatly put it away. Whatever you choose to do while waiting, make certain it's something that is low on the priority level. That way when you're called, there's no scurrying and scrambling to put it aside.

Rising

The next thing to do is, using both hands on either side of the chair, brace yourself and push yourself to the front edge of the chair. Then gracefully rise as you pull the straps of your briefcase, portfolio, or whatever you've brought with you.

Entering a Room

Those of us who remember charm or modeling school know that entering a room is one of the easy things to do. For a tall woman, however, it can make everyone in the room feel as though they've had a refreshingly cool glass of water. Just remember that old admonishment of "shoulders back, head up and looking forward, don't slouch."

During an interview, the person escorting you to the meeting will open the door for you. Walk through the door, heel-toe. Cross the room. When standing at the desk of the person you're meeting, stop, extend your hand by lifting and extending it, repeat their name, clasp their hand firmly and shake. Notice where the guest chair is located. Sit down, and commence your conversation.

Making a Presentation

This is one of the most auspicious times in your career and in presenting yourself. You and your team, or you singly, are the center of attention. Claim it. Enjoy it. Revel in it! Show off how graceful you can appear, how calm and in control.

When you're called to come forward to the lectern, rise and go there. If you need to traverse an open area or climb a few steps in order to reach the microphone, all the better. One step per second should be a good pace. As you climb the steps, make certain you do so with your entire foot on the tread of the step (not the ball of your foot, as though on tiptoe). Absolutely do not scurry or run.

Settle your notes on the lectern. Once the notes are settled, settle yourself by allowing your hands to gracefully drop to your sides. This is the opening of your speech and presentation. You're collecting the attention of your audience, developing a rapport with them and them with you. If you use hand gestures as you speak, this is the time for your orchestration to begin. Lightly touch the side of the lectern and greet your audience.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen [fellow consultants], my name is Yvonne LaRose, and today we're going to explore the wonderful world of bird watching!"

In practicing your speech, you already know what your optimal pace is. You're more than familiar with your materials. From here on, you're off and running.

For Those Not So Tall

Is all of the advantage to those women who are tall and lithe and lanky? No. Medium and short women can develop ways to play off the graceful, knowledgeable, and in charge ambiance. It's just that the taller, the easier. Use the same techniques but move just a fraction of a second faster.

Do Not Scurry

While I've already said it once, it bears repeating because it was part of a different set of thoughts. Absolutely, definitely, under no circumstances should you run or scurry. It makes anyone look out of control. It gives the impression of a small child and not a mature, responsible adult who is capable of strong leadership. It displays a certain amount of nervousness.

So you're tall. Play that asset for all it's worth. Take your time to all your audience to savor your height. The things you can fall back on to justify doing this are your rock solid knowledge of your subject, your confidence, your creativity with the subject. Play that asset for all it's worth, and win because of your distinguishing advantage!