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•pg_23-32__BMT_pg3-58 6/21/13 9:35 PM Page 24 PAC E S E T T E R S SHE READS PEOPLE... LINDA CLEMONS, EMPOWERING TODAY'S MOVERS & SHAKERS TO SEE THE INVISIBLE AND HEAR THE INAUDIBLE. BY VICTORIA HEAD you know that our first encounters with others can strongly affect our perception of them throughout the relationship? First impressions are on average formed within the first four seconds of contact; however, many aren't aware that nonverbal communication plays a significant role in impacting these impressions and our everyday lives. Nonverbal communication has a great deal to do with our effectiveness in the work place, on job interviews, attracting others and being attractive. A questionable or uncomfortable message can be established if the body language conveyed does not match the verbal message. Our body's signals are made up of physical features, conscious and unconscious gestures and the way we guard or invite others into our personal space. Nonverbal communication represents two-thirds of all communication and these skills can be taught to allow us to portray a message clearly, both verbally and with the correct body signals, as well as read communication clearly. In Indianapolis, Indiana, Linda Clemons, CEO of Sisterpreneur Inc., has reached the highest heights of international sales and training, in great part due to her learned skills and gift of reading people. She is a Speaker and Body Language expert whose audience has included members of Fortune 500 companies, MGM, the White House, US Customs and the Department of Defense. Her one-on-one clientele ranges from celebrities and corporate executives to entrepreneurs worldwide. Companies and high-profile clients seek out Clemons for tailored sessions as well as attend her nationwide sellout workshops, such as "Is Your Body Talking," to learn the skills of properly reading and portraying non-verbally. Studying Clemons' methods on this subject can illuminate new understanding ranging from signs of sincerity, deception, fear, hesitation and attraction. Clemons worked in the Time Share and Resort sales industry for over 30 years and became a top record setter; rising high above the average sales rate; her closing sales average was a whopping 48%. Through rigorous training from the best and most successful entrepreneurs, Clemons mastered the ability to read her customers through nonverbal communication and discover their purchasing needs and fears, address those situations and close most of her sales within a 24-hour period. Now, as the speaker/trainer, Clemons motivates others by empowering them with the tools needed to read nonverbal cues and incorporate this form of communication into positively affecting their bottom line. Those exposed to Clemons' training methods note increased sales quotas; learn what nonverbal mistakes not to make in the political arena or during legal negotiations; and have an edge on how to select the best candidates during job interviews. It is no wonder that she has shared the stage with such notables as Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Condalezza Rice, Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Les Brown and many other well-known motivators. During her training sessions, whether large motivational seminars, corporate training, workshops or women's inspirational conferences, this former radio/TV personality, skillfully empowers people with the skills to obtaining better communication through the basics of – Talk, Tone, Touch and Movement. She explains the importance and keys to a successful first meeting and warm-up, which allows you to be in tune with the individual and them to feel comfortable; establishing a rapport; and how to give clear and concise explanation/description of the product, services or message intended. Those striving to be Olympians in life and/or business know the importance of focusing on their goals. Clemons recalls the days she did whatever she had to, just to be in every possible Zig Ziegler training session; and today, she's one of his speakers. You can find out when Clemons will be speaking in your area by visiting her website at www.lindaclemons.com. You can also stay in the know concerning upcoming release dates of her two new books teaching the art of asking questions and understanding body language as well as other inquiries by emailing her at Lindareadspeople@gmail.com. Did LINDA CLEMONS 24 B M & T ••• May/June 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com