"If you want to be enthusiastic, act enthusiastic."

--Dale Carnegie

In most social conversations, being enthusiastic is a plus. The tip is that you can energize yourself by the psychological technique known as "acting as if."

Example: When conducting workshops on public speaking confidence, I ask a timid person on the platform, "Although you've said you're nervous, try this: How would you act and sound if you were confident?" Now the person stands up straighter, moves more definitely, and begins to speak in a strong voice. Then I might say: "Good, just pretend to be confident and continue your talk."

If you're feeling anxious about entering a social event with people you don't know, act as if you're lively and enthusiastic, and as your physiology changes, your emotions will align and you'll feel enthusiastic.

That is "the power of pretend."

Thank you for subscribing and reading this tip!

Until next week's tip,

Loren