"Daddy, is that man sad??

I was in the Seattle airport, connecting to my third flight of the day.

To get to my tiny commuter plane, I had to take the airport train for what seemed like a journey across the entire state of Washington.

It had been a long day. Delays, security searches, the usual joys of air travel.

So there I was, leaning against a pole in the seatless, subway-like train, when I noticed a bouncy four-year-old boy standing nearby with his father.

He looked at me, then asked his dad:

"Daddy, is that man sad?"

Wow. Hit me like a baseball bat to the head.

I wasn't sad. Actually, I felt pretty good, considering the circumstances.

But apparently, that wasn't what I was communicating.

I immediately straightened up, smiled, and told him, "No, I'm happy like you."

So I decided to conduct a highly scientific experiment for the rest of my trip.

I deliberately smiled at everyone I encountered. Security personnel, ticket agents, flight attendants, the rental-car guy, random people walking through the terminal.

Most smiled back. And it was fun!

Except for one woman who sped up considerably after I smiled at her. I think I heard her say, "Creep."

Oh well.

I've made that point before in the Smart Calling Report.

Even when you're not speaking, you're sending messages. Your face, posture, breathing, and energy all influence how people perceive you, and in sales, your prospect can't hear your intentions, only what you actually sound like.

You might think you're enthusiastic, interested, and eager to help. But if you're slumped over your desk, distracted, and speaking in a monotone, what is the other person actually experiencing?

Try saying the same sentence while scowling, then while smiling. Hear the difference?

And no, you don't need to sound like a game-show host who just drank six Red Bulls. Just be intentional about what you project.

What does it feel like to talk with you?

That airport encounter inspired Episode 334 of The Art of Sales Podcast.

I share 11 ways to become more aware of what you're communicating, particularly in sales conversations.

Some involve how you prepare for and conduct calls. One involves asking someone brave to tell you how you actually sound. Brace yourself.

And one has nothing to do with selling technique:

When you're with another human being, PUT YOUR FREAKING PHONE AWAY!

I even work in a classic Jerry Seinfeld bit about that one.

Remember, you can't NOT communicate.

Keep making it your best week ever!