Five Ways For a Woman to Look and Act Sensational

If this title sounds like something from a fashion magazine, you're right. In Style's August 2007 issue recognized Valentino when he celebrated 45 years as fashion's grand arbiter of elegance. Having clothed some of our most photographed icons, from Julia Roberts and Kate Hudson to Sophia Loren and Jackie Kennedy, he told In Style the five classic ways a woman can enhance her presence.

Yes, I know you're a professional. I know your world is more than "looking and acting sensational." I know you're above these types of articles.
But wait. Read these five characteristics.

“Even the most beautiful clothes can’t do all the work,” says Valentino. “So before anything else, you must believe you can be sensational. Every woman can.”


Here’s a guy who has outfitted Jennifer Garner and Kate Hudson. Yet, he realizes that no matter how gorgeous you are externally, you have to know internally that you’re fabulous. No one will believe in you unless you believe in yourself.

“How would you like to walk? When you decide, practice how to move. Use your hips and a mirror. Nobody does this naturally. Trust me, no one.” This tip makes me chuckle as I’m still challenged to not look like a “truck driver” (an old comment from my mother) when marching into a room. Look at any celebrity in a style magazine. Arms are down. Purse may be clutched in one hand. That’s it. According to Valentino, everyone (including Cate Blanchett) has to practice walking. Try walking tall, placing each foot in front of the other, moving arms without flailing. Hard to do; looks fantastic.

“People don’t want to admit they pose, but how you sit is important. Never plop down. Lower yourself onto a sofa at a slight diagonal. Of course it’s deliberate! But it works.”
The key to this suggestion is to be deliberate without appearing to be deliberate. Think before you move, before you sit down, before you stand up, before you walk. Use your space wisely. And use your common sense.

“You can’t be sensational without a beautiful smile (but never show your gums). Don’t trust Mother Nature. She’s too busy.” A great smile makes any woman look and act more sensational.

“The way you speak can bewitch. Low, slowly, and always looking the listener right in the eye. And nothing matters more than how you say hello and goodbye.”

Valentino’s final tip is music to my ears. He touches upon the most important communication tools to create and build rapport with others — your eye contact, pitch, rate, and first and last impression. These skills will make you feel even better about yourself.

Karen, a presentation skills executive coach in Dallas, can be reached at www.karencortellreisman.com