Sororities provide a sisterhood like no other. They help you find your people, plug into your community in meaningful ways, learn new things about yourself and your full potential, and build deep friendships that will last a lifetime.
Rushing can seem a little scary at first, but the benefits are well worth it. When you are getting ready to rush, the way you present yourself is key. Here are 11 tips to help you go into your recruitment activities with confidence.
1. Practice Small Talk
When you are going through sorority recruitment, there will be a lot of meeting new people. You will often have just a few minutes to chat with someone and leave a positive impact on them. Brush up your small talk game. Grab a friend you can practice small talk with, preferably someone who will give you honest feedback.
You don't have to talk only about sorority life. Make larger connections. Is there a sorority member that plays the same sport as you? Do you and a sorority member share the same passion for fashion? Do you play the same instrument as a sorority member? Have some questions up your sleeve to keep the lighthearted small talk going.
2. Be Ready to be Vulnerable
With all of these quick chats, you will have a lot of questions about yourself and your goals for your future. Being in a place mentally that is ready to share and be vulnerable will help you be relatable and can create stronger connections than if you are closed and unwilling to open up
3. Practice Your Body Language
You might say all the right things, but if your body is sending a different message, that could work against you. Keep a tall, upright posture. Have your arms unfolded. Don't be rigid, but don't close yourself off. Be mindful of your nervous habits (we all have them) to manage them while interacting with others.
4. Prepare Some Questions
Think about the reasons you want to join a sorority. List out the qualities you hope to find in a sorority and those that you will bring to a sorority. If you don't take time to think about what you are hoping to get out of a sorority and how your skills can further the goals of the sorority, you run the risk of all of your reasons sounding the same. If you go into it knowing what you want to get and what you can give, you will be better prepared to ask questions and find the best fit for you.
5. Look Your Best
One easy way to boost your confidence is to look your best. When you look good, you feel good, and your confidence will shine through. Find an outfit you feel great in. Pick a hairstyle and some makeup that leave you feeling beautiful and ready to tackle the world.
It may be tempting to sport a Delta Sigma Theta shirt, but wearing sorority paraphernalia when you are not a member should never be done. Opt for something neutral and classic. While you are going for confidence, wearing a shirt representing a sorority that you aren't a member of yet may be considered disrespectful and can be a turn-off for those recruiting.
6. Use Eye Contact
During all the conversations you will have, maintain eye contact. Even if you aren't feeling confident, this simple act will give off the confident vibes you want. This could be another skill to practice beforehand; you want to have your eye contact feel natural without being too intense or intrusive.
7. Think Positively
Envision yourself joining the sorority you are meeting with. Visualize joining the sisterhood of sorors around you. If you are worried and doing the opposite, thinking negatively, you will give off strong negative vibes. Thinking negatively about your potential to join the sorority may become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Steer clear of these thoughts.
8. Remember Names
An easy way to leave a positive impression on others is to remember and use their names. Doing this will help you appear confident and friendly.
9. Schedule Plenty of Time
You will want to be early to all recruiting activities. Rushing to rush will leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed, not calm and confident. Take a look at your commitments on the days you will be doing recruitment activities, and rearrange anything in your schedule that cuts too close to those activities.
10. Practice Breathing Techniques
If you are prone to anxiety, having some breathing techniques ready to implement can help keep your nerves at bay. Slow, deep breaths will help keep your brain oxygenated, which will help keep your cognitive functions keen.
Inhale through your nose, slowly and deeply, taking in as much air as possible. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Use the exhales as a moment to center your thoughts.
11. Talk to Yourself
No, not in front of other people. But beforehand, in private, face yourself in a mirror. Tell yourself your strengths. Look for the beautiful parts of yourself. Remind yourself of why you are a good fit for this sorority and of all the qualifications you have in your pocket.
After you have done this practicing and preparing, go out and be yourself. Sororities are diverse and finding the one that best fits you will only work if you are being your true, authentic self during rush. Don't be afraid to let everyone around you see your unique beauty and the potential you have to shine in their sorority. And should you become an official member of DST, let us help you celebrate in chic and stylish Delta Sigma Theta nalia.
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When finding a sorority group to join, many rushes into it. You should too! Think about all the great experiences and sisterhood you can experience from the sorority group of your choice. It can be scary to rush, but when you are equipped with confidence, you can achieve anything! Here are some confidence-building tips to arm yourself up.
