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THE ART OF

COMMUNICATIONLaguna College of Art + Design

Professional Practices Fall 2014

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COMMUNICATION | Email

Email Etiquette

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COMMUNICATION | Email

Use brief subject lines that include:

Job Name

Round/Stage the Job is in.

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COMMUNICATION | Email

Don’t abuse priority settings.

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COMMUNICATION | Email

Always end emails with a signature that includes contact info.

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COMMUNICATION | Email

Address the person you are writing in a friendly way:

!

“Hi Joe” or “Hello Joe” work great.

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COMMUNICATION | Email

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

Spelling

Clarity

Attachments

Repetition

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COMMUNICATION | Email

Keep it succinct!

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COMMUNICATION | Email

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.

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COMMUNICATION | Email

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.

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COMMUNICATION | Email

Be Personable!

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

Non-Verbal Communication

Body Language

Vocal Tone

Words

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

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

55%38%

7%Non-Verbal Breakdown

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

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

Over 90% of communication is non-verbal.

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

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

- Mark Twain

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

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.)

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

Look engaged and interested!

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

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

(Resting B**** Face)

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

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.

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

Make eye contact.

Shifty eyes convey insincerity and lack of interest.

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

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.)

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

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

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

In short: !

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

It gives us courage and boldness!

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

Walk tall and with purpose.

Don’t scoot. Don’t scurry.

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

Give a firm handshake.

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COMMUNICATION | Non-Verbal

Smile!

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COMMUNICATION | Verbal

Verbal Communication

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COMMUNICATION | Verbal

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

Speak with passion. Sell it.

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COMMUNICATION | Verbal

Speak slowly and clearly.

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

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COMMUNICATION | Verbal

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

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COMMUNICATION | Verbal

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

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

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COMMUNICATION | Verbal

Don’t Interrupt.

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COMMUNICATION | Verbal

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

Ask questions to clarify if you need to.

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COMMUNICATION | Verbal

Be succinct.

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COMMUNICATION | Verbal

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.

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COMMUNICATION | Verbal

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.

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COMMUNICATION | Reading Your Audience

Reading Your Audience

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COMMUNICATION | Reading Your Audience

Everything we talked about canbe reversed to read your audience.

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COMMUNICATION | Reading Your Audience

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

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

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Good Luck!