This clip speaks for itself.

The scene is the NBC program Hardball. The host is Chris Matthews. The guests are Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Congressman Dan Lundgren (R-CA). The topic is the Big 3 Auto Bailout. The lesson is….

Always be aware you send a message. Congressman Meeks advocated for a public bailout of the Big 3 - essentially investing taxpayer money in the Big 3. Matthews asked him a very basic question — “What car do you own sir?” The next minute is difficult to watch as Congressman Meeks answers that he in fact owns a Honda, then stumbles a number of times trying to get his footing back.

Everywhere you go, everything you do, whether you want to or not, sends a message - period. What you say, how you say it, your body language, your clothing, your facial expressions, your posture…each of these sends a message to everyone you interact with, either directly or indirectly.

This is not limited to speaking or appearing on television or in the media. This occurs when you enter a meeting, open the front door to your office, sit at a table at a restaurant, and every other interaction imaginable.

One of the first questions I have always asked salesmen is whether or not they use the product that they are trying to sell. To me, this is the most basic question, and sends a dramatic message, especially if the answer is no.