The Art of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

transcript

@get_hoodzpah #gettinbizy

THE ART OF

COMMUNICATIONLaguna College of Art + Design

Professional Practices Fall 2014

COMMUNICATION | Email

Email Etiquette

Use brief subject lines that include:

Job Name

Round/Stage the Job is in.

Don’t abuse priority settings.

Always end emails with a signature that includes contact info.

Address the person you are writing in a friendly way:

“Hi Joe” or “Hello Joe” work great.

ALWAYS re-read your emails before clicking send. Check the following:

Spelling

Clarity

Attachments

Repetition

Keep it succinct!

If there’s a lot to cover, use hierarchy:

• Bolden actionable items that you need a response on.

• Bulleted lists.

• Separate info into easily digestible paragraphs.

Consider file size.

If at all possible don’t send emails over 1MB.

If you need to send larger files, consider using Wetransfer.com or Dropbox.

Be Personable!

COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

Non-Verbal Communication

Body Language

Vocal Tone

Source: Mehrabian & Wiener, 1967 and Mehrabian & Ferris, 1967

55%38%

7%Non-Verbal Breakdown

Source: Mehrabian & Wiener, 1967 and Mehrabian & Ferris, 1967

Over 90% of communication is non-verbal.

“Words are only painted fire;A look is the fire itself.”

- Mark Twain

Interviews are just like first dates.

You have a short window to make a good impression.So use non-verbal cues to your advantage.

(Note: Don’t date your boss.)

Look engaged and interested!

Think about your face. You don’t have to hold a perma-grin, but beware of R.B.F.

(Resting B**** Face)

Tips to show you’re engaged:

Smile.

Laugh when ajoke is made. Even if it’s bad.

Nod when a good pointis made.

Don’t tap your fingers orbounce your feet.

Make eye contact.

Shifty eyes convey insincerity and lack of interest.

Sit up straight. Lean in. Don’t lean back in your chair or slouch.

(When you’re Don Draper and you run the show you can lean back.)

Amy Cuddy, a Harvard researcher, studied the effects of “power poses” (shoulders back, arms open, standing

tall). She found that after only 2 minutes in a power pose, test subjects’ testosterone levels rose 20%. Testosterone is known as the “power” chemical.

Cortisol levels in the brain also fell. Low cortisol levels allow people to handle stressful situations calmly.

Source: Association of Psychological Science, Sept. 21, 2010

In short: !

Our posture and body language change the way we physiologically feel about ourselves.

It gives us courage and boldness!

Walk tall and with purpose.

Don’t scoot. Don’t scurry.

Give a firm handshake.

Smile!

COMMUNICATION | Verbal

Verbal Communication

Show excitement through voice modulation. You are not a robot.

Speak with passion. Sell it.

Speak slowly and clearly.

Ar-tic-u-late. No mumblers allowed.

Avoid these words at all costs:

• Ummmm

• Like (if not in a simile)

• Kind of

• Sort of

• Curse words

• Unprofessional slang (totes, lulz, etc.)

• Stuff

• I guess

Don’t try to use big words to sound smart.

Big words don’t make you smart. Clear, wellthought out ideas do.

Don’t Interrupt.

Don’t pretend to understand if you don’t.

Ask questions to clarify if you need to.

Be succinct.

Don’t get defensive.

Take ideas and constructive criticism graciously.If you honestly think an idea won’t work, try it anyways to be

sure. Sometimes the last idea you think will work does.

Lastly, and most importantly: Shut up and listen.

Gather as many facts and context clues from your audience before you open your mouth so that you can

meet your audience on their level.

COMMUNICATION | Reading Your Audience

Reading Your Audience

Everything we talked about canbe reversed to read your audience.

Pay attention to body language, voice modulation, and speech to

gauge your listener’s mood/feelings. Then adjust accordingly.

Good Luck!

The Art of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Presentations & Public Speaking