“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What has really driven my event business, Kate Louise Rose, isn’t plans or spreadsheets. It’s how I turn up.
People decide how they feel about us before logic ever arrives. In events, where trust and atmosphere are everything, that first impression sets the tone for every project.
How I turn up
I tend to dive straight in. I don’t set out to read someone’s face in a first meeting. I come as I am, and I trust my instinct to tell me how I’m landing, even if I don’t always get it right.
Sometimes I’m not someone’s cup of tea. Sometimes I’m simply a lot. When I notice that, I tone it down. My energy has helped me break down barriers, but it needs awareness to go with it.
Networking has been a good example. At certain events in Dubai, it hasn’t always come easily. Opening with “What do you do?” or “How long are you staying?” has never felt natural to me. I’ve learned that warmth and a genuine interest in the person in front of me do far more than a perfect opener.
Why this matters
We have 43 facial muscles capable of over 16,000 expressions, yet only around 100 words to describe how we feel. Emotion moves faster than language. Faster than reason. Faster than intent.
That’s why a scary film still makes us jump, even when we know it isn’t real. Our faces often say what our words haven’t caught up with yet.
It also means a neutral face is rarely read as neutral. We tend to see disapproval, distance or even a threat. So make no assumptions. Be open and warm-hearted, and give first. Generosity opens doors. When we don’t realise what message we’re sending, clients and vendors fill in the gaps for us.
Emotion is information
Every emotion carries a message:
Sadness communicates loss.
Fear is protective, and often signals a need for reassurance. A client’s fear of event day going wrong is a big deal.
Frustration may simply mean someone wants to be heard.
When we ignore emotions, issues escalate. When we acknowledge them, trust builds.
The best leaders, planners and suppliers don’t rush to fix things. They listen first. People need to feel seen and heard before they’ll listen to you.
What your body is saying
Body language builds trust, or breaks it:
A smile builds trust instantly.
Eye contact signals presence. Practise it, even in the mirror.
Leaning in shows interest. Leaning back can signal disengagement.
Chin level shows confidence. Chin down can look submissive, and chin up can look condescending.
Even your feet give you away through your stance.
Learning to pause can change how calm, confident and in control you appear in any room.
Authenticity over perfection
Most of us aren’t as good at hiding our feelings as we think. How you believe you come across isn’t always how others experience you. I was taught a long time ago that what I say isn’t necessarily what someone hears, and that has stayed with me.
Clients hire planners they like, not just those with a good checklist. So bring yourself, and a service you truly believe in. We build trust by being authentic, not perfect. Online is brilliant for efficiency, but in person is where event relationships grow, teams lift and belief transfers.
And here’s a question I’ve been sitting with: how much do you like yourself? How you feel about yourself quietly shapes how others feel around you. Your face, posture and presence speak long before you do.
A few things I try to remember
With corporate clients, stride a little bigger and bolder than you might feel.
Don’t dive straight for the coffee. Greet people first.
When networking, break into groups of three. Pairs can feel intense because they lock eye contact.
Stay calm and centred. Everything else gets easier.
Next time you walk into a client meeting, a pitch or an event site, ask yourself: how do I want people to feel? Then let your body lead the message.
That’s how we approach every event at Kate Louise Rose. I’d love to hear how you want people to feel when you walk into a room.
