Part 4: Communicate Strategically in the Workplace

There are many ways we communicate with and to others. Some of those methods are on purpose; others happen without us realizing it but we need to be more conscious of these methods if we are to be successful and taken seriously in the workplace.

Actions
* Use a firm handshake
* Establish eye contact.
* Warmly greet people.

Posture
* Do not slouch or look too relaxed.
* Project confidence when you stand.
* Sit up straight and lean into a conversation.

Smiling
* Smile when you’re being introduced to someone.
* Smile when you’re feeling uncomfortable or out of place and you’ll mask your concerns.
* Smile when you give or receive a compliment.
* Smiles that last too long invite suspicion.

"Stand tall, stand erect. If you look like a leader, then you are going 
to act like a leader. If you look like you have the ability, then you
will act like you have the ability."
                                                                                                         --Joan Burge

More Tips:
Making eye contact when someone (especially a customer) is at your desk.

Do not read emails while someone is talking to you (in person or on the phone)

Stand when welcoming someone into your office or as they approach your desk, if they are a visitor.

Shake hands firmly. A firm handshake shows confidence, warmth, and sincerity; a weak handshake indicates doubt, insecurity, and apprehension. It’s courteous to rise from your chair when you shake someone’s hand.

When a male and female are introduced, either may initiate the handshake.

When you forget someone’s name, welcome the person with a handshake and reintroduce yourself. Most of the time, they will respond positively.

Verbal Ability/Communications
Note: Tips are built around communications in the United States.

• It’s not just what you say but how you say it, the words you use, the clarity of your thinking, being able to express your thoughts and concepts to others.
• Learn to communicate effectively and clearly with all people with whom you come in contact.
• Be clear, concise; don’t ramble.
• Be aware of what you say and how you say it and your tone of voice.
• Especially important-be tactful.
• Being a great listener is professional.
• Respond to correspondence and do it in a timely fashion.
• Return phone calls, especially if you said you would get back to someone with information.
• Don’t shorthand speech (yeah instead of yes) or use slang.

"Professionalism is reflected in a person's actions, speech, attitude,
appearance, aura, and body language. When you are professional,
people perceive you as being credible and authentic."
                                                                                                    --Joan Burge