What are good ways of making sure you have a 'personal impact' and 'presence' even if you are thin, stoop slightly, look quite young and are natually a bit of an introvert?What physical changes can you easily make to the way you dress, look, or what you do etc in order to instantly look that little bit more credible? I'm talking about situations where people judge you instantly on the way you look, i.e. you haven't yet had chance to show them the quality of work you do.

Smile at people. Don't be afraid to make and maintain eye contact. Have a firm handshake. Speak clearly. Have a set of questions you're comfortable asking so, when there's little natural conversation, you're capable of changing this situation. Most importantly, particularly for those who are more introverted, believe that most people will be open minded about what you have to say - very easy to convince yourself that they won't be interested / will criticise you etc.

Walk like you have music in your head, wink at the ladies, slap the men on their shoulders and rub your balls!**Not advised if you are a lady

Get yourself down the gym, lift some weights which will make your posture better and give you confidence. Keep your head high but don't look down your nose. I always think sharp dressing (but not in your face colours) looks good. I agree with the above in normal conversation relax and pretend your talking to someone you have known for a while, small chat puts the person your talking to at ease.

Speak with an American accent. Whistle at ladies you consider attractive and tut at ones you think could use some work. Sing daily and ask everyone you meet what they think about Big Brother.

Where a hat. And I mean a massive hat. With the words "Management Consultants Do It On Their Laptops". People will be concentrating too hard on the hat to give you physical appearance frame a second glance.

gosh - that should be "wear"

Let's have a moratorium on "comedy" replies within this thread, please. You lot are splitting my sides.

Ironically - we're actually trying to make you smile. When tested on mice, smiling is clinically proven to reduce stooping by 45%. And have you ever met an introverted mouse?On a serious note, you can't do anything about how old you look (aside from maybe getting a flat cap and a terrier) - but this will, in fact, become more and more of an advantage the more senior you get. Girls/guys will say "wow - he looks young for his age".To combat stooping, just walk upright - job sorted. And if you're thin - so what? Seriously you're putting yourself down too much. Do not underestimate the determination of a quiet man!Hang in there matey - you'll be fine.

...the determination of a quiet man????Is that you Ian Duncan Smith, are you consulting after your rubbish attempt at being the Conservative leader?!

It's oh so simple, copy the people who are admired in your organisation.You'll generally find that they're smartly dressed without being flashy, have a smart hair style without being Beckham, are friendly and confident without being a joke.It's about having a balanced approach, understated style.Now stand up straight when I'm talking to you!!!

My advice to you, if I was given another go, would be:If you can, then surround yourself with dour, uncharismatic types and promote them to positions of responsibility. This seems to help. Not sure why exactly, but people seem to then be left wondering 'well really, who else is there?'Likewise if you are too thin then hire a chubby chap. People are more likely to be looking at him sleeping (during your more difficut speeches) than worrying about your personality.Also jet off on sunny holidays alot when the heat is on and obtain a permanent tan. It never seems to fail.

Ask whoever you are with whether they like you, then reel off a list of names of people who have already said yes. In meetings introduce yourself as 'fatty' then laugh hysterically. Finish off meetings with a magic trick.

Doing 'my impression of an elephant' before meetings has always impressed my clients and peers.They just don't know what's heading their way as I pull my trouser pockets inside out and move my hand to my zip.....

Daniels you bloomin nightmare! Getting the old man out is surely not the way forwad, elephants trunk size or not!