Influence is the alternative to formal authority; it is a more valued practice as it gets long term results, does not cause distrust or hostility and if it is done well can go unnoticed.

To become a successful influencer you may have to make personal adjustments. This will be how you look, what you say and how you say it. There will have to be focus on planning what message is being sent and how it is being sent out; these will all depend on the influencee and what you want out of them. The influncee and what you want from them will change over time so to be successful you must be able to adapt with this change.

The main personal adjustment is our non-verbal communication, this is hard to evaluate and change because most of our non-verbal communication is done unconsciously. However if you want to be a successful influencer then you must have awareness, flexibility and control. You must be aware of yourself and others behaviour and feels and there affects, if you are not then you will lack the means to improve. Also learning, self monitoring and feedback from others can give you self awareness and help you to improve. Flexibility is to be able to change what you say and do to match others expectations, so you achieve goals. You must be able to have control of yourself and others behaviour.

Posture

Good posture makes others see you as in control and knowledgeable of a situation, whereas a sloppy posture shows less control and makes you a target for influencers. For example If you was at an interview, presenting sloppy posture you will be seen as weak and inferior, resulting in rejection.  On the other hand if you was presenting a strong posture then you will be seen as firm and strong, resulting in getting the job. This works the same if you are a manager. The three aspects of posture are sitting, walking and standing.

Gestures

Gestures can say a lot about a person. Short, quick movements, such as tapping a pencil, show the pressure you are under within hence giving the impression that you are not in control. To be a successful influencer you must use gestures that are below your face and outwards from your body, either pointing or moving the arms between the chin and waist line. A key point is to always be relaxed; this is shown through gestures such as leaning back on a chair with hands behind head or articulating fingers, these gestures will depend on gender.

Eye Contact

Good eye contact makes others see you as alert, confident and responsible. So if you have just met give a good and steady eye contact, once in conversation give frequent eye contact, but make sure the intervals are not to long, as you may scare the other person and make sure they are not to short, as the person may think you are not interested. Failure to make eye contact will make others see you as submissive and invite interruption.

Appearance

Height seems to make a great contribution to being a good influencer, especially when it comes to men. It has been found that most tall men are successful academically, socially and financially. The connection between height and status is due to them having stature and being looked up to.

Clothing

Clothing plays a part in influencing, for example police have black hats, judges wear wigs these are all indications of their profession but also gives an authoritarian look, as a person of authority is distant from everyone else. So make sure to be a successful influencer you wear something that says ‘I have power', however do not go to over board.